Mamma Tortilla

A Farewell...

2010-07-12T15:17:00.001-04:00

Wow! its been a long time since I have posted :) A lot of changes have been going on in my house (only good ones) so I haven't been on very much. When I do have free time I am out taking pictures and spending time with my kiddos. :)

On a really sad note, after much debate, I have decided to shut down Mamma Tortilla ...........WHAT!! i know mouth dropper! It's been an awesome time and I have enjoyed blogging here at Mamma T but its time to move on. I am not disappearing from the blog world though, I have a photo blog in the works and hoping that will take off soon :) I am focusing all of my energy on photography WOOHOO!

Special thanks to everyone who made Mamma T what it was (you know who you are), guest bloggers, Melissa West and everyone who loved Mamma T. I will keep Mamma Tortilla up for awhile just in case I want to come back :)

Farewell and Adios,

Mamma Tortilla

Guest Blogger: Jolyn from A Year Of Happy

2010-06-14T06:00:00.001-04:00

I am so excited to have Jolyn from A Year of Happy at my house today. She has an amazing photo blog and a blog cafe that you must check out. We met through the 100 Photos Project and I have fallen in love with her pictures. So grab your cup of Monday tea and give a warm welcome to Jolyn.

**************

Hi! I'm JoLyn and I'm so excited to be visiting at Mamma Tortilla--what an honor it is to be here!

Leslie and I got in touch because we both love photography. Me? I'm really new to the photography game--in fact, I just got my "big-girl" camera for Christmas, and now it hardly ever leaves my side. I am hooked! And I think the internet/blogging world is the perfect place to learn photography, make friends, and share our photos.

For instance, Leslie and I are both participating in a 100 photos project. Every person who wants to play along chooses their own theme. Mine is "Simple Pleasures." This theme goes along with my Happiness Project, which is to look for the good things in life that money can't buy, and write about them on my blog. These two projects are really changing the way I look at life. They are making me notice things I had taken for granted--and the simple things have taken on much more meaning since I started focusing on life through the lens of my camera.

One experience in particular was an early morning when I was driving my son to school, like I do most mornings. I started looking at my world wondering what would make a good photo that day. And I saw this view--it's only about a mile from my home. I see it every single day. But I guess in my rush of activities, I don't really take the time to look. When I looked at it through my lens, I realized how breathtaking it really is!

I've also started taking note of simple things that I might not have seen otherwise. Like the day I was in the airport and saw these two birds sitting on the chairs watching the planes take off and land!

And speaking of birds, I've never paid much attention to them before. But having my camera in hand, I've become an avid bird watcher. On a recent humanitarian trip to Nicaragua, I spent an hour taking photos of the birds on the beach--and loving it!

Another fun project I'm participating in is called "Team Up Thursday". For this project, we are paired with another person, and each week we take a photo based on the week's theme. Then we create a diptych using our two photos. My partner is Arizaphale from Australia. I'm from Utah, so the two of us are having a blast getting to know each other and working together from opposite sides of the world. It's fun to see what our teammates come up with for each week's theme! Here's one of our diptychs--our theme was "Lunch".

As much fun as I'm having with my camera, I'm quickly learning how much I don't know. The method to my madness right now is to take hundreds of photos--and hope one or two get lucky and turn out good! You should have seen me in Nicaragua, madly snapping photo after photo from the window of our moving bus! Luckily, I got a few good ones that really tell the story of our amazing adventures.

I guess for me, photography is about two things: telling a story and finding the joy in life. And no matter how much I learn about how my camera works, that's how I hope it will always be!

*****

Thank you so much Jolyn for coming over today and visiting :) Don't forget to check out her photo blog and blog cafe.

Leslie

It's A Jungle Out There

2010-06-10T06:00:00.001-04:00

My garden has over taken the corner of my backyard. I was happy to come back home from my trip to New York (you will hear more about that in the coming week) to have snap peas and little tomatoes. Austin and I were so excited that our daily watering and tending to the garden has paid off. He even called Scott and told him about the exciting news. So if you look at the first post of my garden and what it looks like now you will see what a jungle it has become :)

Summer Hair Accessories

2010-06-09T06:00:00.001-04:00

Summer is here and all the cute outfits are coming out of my closet. The ones that I wasn't able to wear last summer because I was post baby :) Now that I am feeling a little better with my body I got myself in the attic to pull clothes down :) So exciting! So I was out there looking around and came across some really cute hair accessories that could really make an outfit. I am a true believer of the simpler the outfit the better because once you had those amazing accessories...you get that hot outfit :) I love these because they are funky and fun...isn't that what summer is all about?

Hair Wreath by Dedicated

Summer Feather Hair Accessory by Beautiful Mess

Flat Pattern Hair Band by Jezze Prints

Father's Day Gift Ideas

2010-06-08T15:06:00.000-04:00

Father's Day is just around the corner ladies (and gentlemen)! Lets start getting our ideas together and start crafting for the special guys in our lives. Here are couple of things to get your creative juices flowing.

Father's Day Key Chain by Aly & Ash

I love you Father's Day Card Template by All About You

Father's Day Tie by The Purl Bee

Crayon on Etching Metal Tins Tutorial by Roots and Wings Co.

Leslie

9:Eat Some Berries

2010-06-04T15:34:00.001-04:00

9:Eat Some Berries, originally uploaded by mamma tortilla.

Reminder and a couple of sidenotes

2010-06-02T15:05:00.005-04:00

Don't forget to sign up for the Fabric Swap you have until Friday!! You can't possibly miss out the opportunity of getting someone's fabric treasures. I'm super excited to see what comes in the mail from my fabric swapper person (ok it just sounded good when I said it in my head and it made me giggle:) )

Sidenote: my "I Was Featured" button is not working. Sorry ladies who have it :( Please take the other button in the mean time. Planning to change the blog again so thats why I didn't panic when it went missing! If anyone out there does blog headers, buttons, etc. send me an email: mammatortilla@gmail.com.

Ok another sidenote: I'm ending this post with what was on my deck, in my backyard and IN MY HOUSE recently!!!!!!!!! I'm having a lot of animal encounters lately.

8::Sleeping Beauty

2010-05-30T22:54:00.001-04:00

8::Sleeping Beauty, originally uploaded by mamma tortilla.

Fabric Scraps Exchange

2010-05-29T22:23:00.001-04:00

My mom and I were trying to organize my crafting corner today in an effort to get me back to the sewing machine. As we are attacking all the fabric I have, I realized that I have tons of scraps and I would love to share. So why not do a fabric scraps exchange:) I love getting new fabric and you can do so much with fabric scraps!

Here Are The Rules:

1. You have to put together a bag of your scraps and send it to someone you have never met before. It can be in a small sandwich ziplock bag or a gallon ziplock bag. It's up to you on how much you want to giveaway :)

2. Post a comment below and leave an email address/blog address. You will mail your scraps to the blogger who posts a comment below you. Once a comment has been posted below yours, go ahead and contact that person to get their mailing address. You have until June 4th to post.

3. Please mail your item no later than June 7th.

4. If you are running behind NO WORRIES! Just be kind enough to email the person letting them know their scraps are on the way.

5. U.S. and Canada participants only please :)

This is going to be so much fun!! Tell your friends, twitter, facebook about it, whatever. The more people that participate the more fun! I will leave the first comment :)

Leslie

Cottage Collection By Bunny Lane Designs

2010-05-27T22:06:00.006-04:00

Ok when I saw this Cottage Collection by Bunny Lane Designs..........I did my little happy dance because this dress is so stinking cute!! Every little girl should have one. I am so excited to see more of what she is going to have. She is just giving us a sneak peak of the new collection so if this is cute, can you imagine what the rest is going to look like????

Head over to her etsy store and have a look around. let me know what you think.

And on a even happier note, my May Flowers photo was featured here at the One Hundred Photos Feature blog. I again did the happy dance. Ok I did more then my happy dance :) I am very excited about it. can you tell? Head over there and check it out!

Leslie

7::100 Butterfly Wings

2010-05-26T06:00:00.003-04:00

This beauty landed on my window last Saturday morning.

6::100 Thinking Big Ideas

2010-05-24T14:49:00.003-04:00

6: Thinking Big Ideas, originally uploaded by mamma tortilla.

Pondering, constructing, analyzing and creating BIG IDEAS!

Summer Pouches

2010-05-23T07:50:00.005-04:00

Summer is fast approaching, as I keep mentioning and reminding, so time to put away all the heavy purses and make something light and fun to use. If you have kids of course its hard to do because we always have to carry around all this stuff!! But once in awhile you get to go out kid free so why not go out with something light and super cute!! I love these! I had a lot of fun making this and want to make lots more!

Made by Me :) Pattern from Bend-the-Rules Sewing by Amy Karol

Made by Melissa. Pattern from Noodlehead

Have a Happy Sunday!

Leslie

First Place...NO WAY!

2010-05-21T22:32:00.000-04:00

I just finished taking a six week photography class over at Bloom E-Course. This is another class I highly recommend. Rachel, the instructor, is super nice and so passionate about photography and this class. She answers every question and gets you excited every week about your photography assignment. You walk away from the class more confident about taking pictures and you make new friends along the way.

The fourth week of class Rachel had a photo contest and we were each allowed to submit a portrait picture. At first I was pretty hesitant but I said "what the heck, I have nothing to loose." I submitted a picture of Chloe and I WON FIRST PLACE!! WOOHOO! I was shocked. There were many talented photographers in my class so I was really surprised. I won a lensbaby, a discount to Mpix and a discount to Totally Rad Actions. AWESOME! But in the end everyone won something, she gave away actions and textures she created to everyone in the class.

Here is the winning picture:

Take this class if you want to learn how to use your camera, whether it be a point and shoot or dslr!!

Leslie

5:100 May Flowers

2010-05-18T06:00:00.000-04:00

had a picnic with the hubby and kids and we ran into these beauties :) love how this picture turned out.

Summer Time Is Almost Here

2010-05-17T06:00:00.001-04:00

I think everyone is ready for the Summer because all the crafty people are going crazy. Found so many fun summer projects to do that I wanted to share. Hope this helps get your creative juices flowing and get you back to crafting. I've been slacking but this has just motivated me :)

Splish Splash Dress by Pea Pod Creations

Hampton Hooded Beach Towel by Prudent Baby

Tiered Terracotta Planter by Positively Splendid.

Comfy Natural Cushions for Wooden Chairs by Craftzine

Doesn't this make you just want to drop everything and start crafting??? love it. Have a happy Monday!

Leslie

A Sad Week

2010-05-16T22:01:00.004-04:00

Last week was a tough week at my house from both the kids being so sick to a family loss on Mother's Day. My Uncle passed away and it has been the saddest week. I spent most of the week tending to my little ones and mourning a loss. The hardest part was seeing my grandmother hurt as much as she did. I couldn't post on MT last week or even write anything about it on any public internet page because it was so personal that I couldn't share with the world that I was sad.

But, I decided to share tonight because these are things that happen in life. I have to admit, and I have admitted in the past, that I love reading other people's blog and even wonder how they do it. They look like they have the perfect life, they craft, they have business, manage to take care of their kids, post everyday, seems like nothing ever goes wrong and have dinner on the table by five. PERFECT right? well...

I have come to learn that those are only snap shots of people's lives, not everything is perfect everyday well not at my house anyway. So when you come visit me here you only get snap shots and we do have real things happen :)

On a happy note, I am feeling much better especially since I know that my family has accepted our loss and that he will live on in our hearts:)

3::Dangling Feet

2010-05-11T08:40:00.001-04:00

3::Dangling Feet, originally uploaded by mamma tortilla.

My friend Katie asked me to take pictures of her beautiful son Liam. Well as we are having fun taking pictures of him we decided to put him in the bookshelf. Can you find baby Liam? hehe

Square Foot Gardening

2010-05-10T09:25:00.000-04:00

I'm really excited to show you guys my new garden. I have never had a garden before and I was excited to get my hands dirty:) Thankfully, I have friends that are willing to share their secrets about gardening and how it all works. So they were kind enough to introduce me to Square Foot Gardening. It's very easy to do and to maintain. I have so many things sprouting at the moment: lettuce, pumpkin, tomatoes, marigolds, hot peppers, gourds, etc. Everyday the kids go outside and see the progress. Not only am I having fun gardening but Austin is really taking pride of his work and gets just as excited as I do. Go check out the site out if you are interested in starting one.

I would love to see other square foot gardening pictures so if you want to share email me at mammatortilla@gmail.com and send over your pictures :)

Leslie

Happy Mother's Day!

2010-05-09T10:15:00.002-04:00

To all the beautiful mothers out there, enjoy your day :) You deserve it because we have the hardest and most rewarding job.

2::100 Pho-Tak

2010-05-08T06:00:00.000-04:00

picture taken by me

For Christmas my beautiful sister gave me this Pho-Tak Reflex I camera. I jumped and screamed when I opened it. I always wanted to have a vintage camera. Thanks Nicole. I took this a couple of weekends ago with my new Nikon D300. It's one of my favorite photos.

"maybe im just like my mother"

2010-05-07T08:59:00.005-04:00

"Dance like no one is looking" that's the motto in our house. Austin, Chloe and I have daily dance offs at our house. We crank the radio in our kitchen and dance. Its even come in handy when everyone is on the verge of a melt down and need a quick distraction. If you know me, dancing is something I have always loved. Nope not a professional or took dance classes. I just dance and love it. If I am good, well thats a different story.

Well, I guess all the dancing in our kitchen paid off because at my sister-in-law's wedding, Austin busted a move.....

And right before I posted this we had our morning dance off and an old Prince song came on "....maybe I'm just like my mother" and Austin sure is just like his mom.

Leslie

simple things in life: Play Dough

2010-05-05T15:39:00.005-04:00

I love this time of year because all my kids want to play with is dirt, water and play dough. I mean for hours!! All I have to say is "oh play dough, how i love thee." Keep it simple and they will love you :)

Homemade Play Dough
by Mothering Magazine

1 cup flour
1/2 cup salt
1 cup water
2 teaspoons cream of tartar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil

Combine ingredients in saucepan. Place on medium heat and stir constantly until a ball forms. Remove from heat and knead for a few minutes. Want to add some color? Paprika for red and cocoa for brown :) Store in airtight container.

1::Holding On

2010-05-03T23:57:00.002-04:00

Originally uploaded by mamma tortilla

I've decided to participate in the 100 photos project. To take pictures of whatever inspires me. A way to help me improve my photography skills and help me open my eyes to the world around me. I was going to start another blog for this but decided that I would keep it here on Mamma Tortilla. I do have another project in the works but have to hold off until its up in running. My focus is going to be on still life for this project but i love this picture and wanted it to be my first.

mother's day gift ideas that i love

2010-05-01T00:00:00.002-04:00

here are some really cute craft ideas that would make wonderful Mother's Day gifts. Ooooooo so cute stuff!! this is why i love crafting *sigh*.

Sewing Machine Cover by Sparkle Power

Fingerprint Pendant by The Crafty Crow

The Flower Ring by V and Co

Sewn Stash Baskets by Purl Bee

i would love to have any one of these things...HINT HINT! hopefully my hubby is reading this :)

Butterflies and Caterpillars

2010-04-30T06:48:00.006-04:00

These boys love to craft! After they were done, we read them The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

Jar Full of Wishes

2010-04-29T15:40:00.000-04:00

First, I want to send a BIG thank you to Melissa for all the hard work and time she dedicated while being a part of Mamma T. You will be missed but I know she will text me and say "les, oooo I did this awesome craft, post it." Even if she's not here she will probably be doing some behind the scenes stuff. Thank you Melissa and I totally understand.

Ok back on track, one of the assignments I had for my Persisting Stars class was to make a jar full of wishes. So I got a piece of paper cut it into strips, wrote down each of my wishes, and tied pretty ribbon on around them. I closed my eyes whispered the wish and dropped in a mason jar. Sounds silly? Try it! Everytime I say "I wish......". I run downstairs write down and throw it in the mason jar. Wishes do come true :) Who says we are too old to still dream and make wishes?

Leslie

So long, Farewell

2010-04-27T21:06:00.006-04:00

I am what you would call a classic over-achiever, and with that sometimes comes over-acceptance. You know what I mean - "Sure, I can do that. And that? Oh yeah, I love that so I'll do it too. Oh and I can squeeze this in as well." Okay, I admit it I have a problem. =) First step.

When I started blogging on Mamma Tortilla I had always intended on finding a balance between home, photography, and crafty blogging (I have so many rough drafts of schedules to fit in everything - it would make your head swim!) but I honestly don’t think I’m going to be able to do it. That's hard for us over-achievers to admit. I have to place my husband and baby girl first, and then it's nice when I can get around to my business once in a while=) So as much as I love crafting, and blogging about it, I'm going to stick to blogging about photography and let Les run with Mamma T!

(Don't tell anyone, but, the real reason I'm leaving is because Leslie thinks I smell and said I had to go find a new blog because she was having trouble breathing. She's mean like that. Don't let her fool you!)

I love it here and hopefully Les will let me come back occasionally (if I shower=) Well, as long as she didn't read what I just wrote about her...oh well.

Make your life beautiful!

Where Creativity Was Born

2010-04-27T09:10:00.000-04:00

picture by Melissa West Photography

As Mother's Day is fast approaching, I stop and reflect the years and what the birth of my children have done to me, besides giving me the biggest blessings in the world, they brought CREATIVITY with them! With each birth, a burst of creative energy rushed through me. I realize that my children have opened hidden passages that were secretly suppressed deep inside. They have held my right hand, god on the left and lead me down a path of self discovery. It's amazing! The last couple of weeks, with so much chaos going on, I finally had a moment to myself and it just clicked. I know where I am supposed to be and where I should go. Would love to hear what amazing changes your children have brought you :)

P.S.

Melissa has a new photography website, please go check it out :)

happy earth day

2010-04-22T13:16:00.004-04:00

Happy Earth Day! Be kind to our Mother Earth starting now and forever:)

Homemade Hair Clips

2010-04-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

Now that my baby girl has enough hair, I am so excited that I can put clips in it! It helps to stop comments like, "Oh, how old is he?" To which I want to reply, "Oh, you mean the "he" in the pink dress?" People. If only everyone were perfect like me.=)

Okay anyway... I got a pack of alligator clips as Michael's and a pack of snap clips at the dollar store and yesterday I tried my hand as some girly hair clips. I love how cute they turned out and so super easy! All you need is ribbon and hot glue.

For this one I glued yellow ribbon on an alligator clip. Then I took a thin strip of knit fabric, folded it in half (so the edges were both facing down) and rolled it. Then covered the bottom in glue and stuck it on the clip. Possibly my favorite so far! So bright and cheerful.

And this one...come on how stinkin' adorable is this? Two pieces of red ribbon hot glued in a circle and a stripe of black at the top. What was that...5 minutes? So fun!

For this one I used my ruffle foot and sewed a stripe of material then wound it into a circle and added a vintage button. Ohh, I'm on a roll and dinner might never get done=)

A few inches of black ribbon and one button later...I had a clip that was meant for Bella but...

was stolen by mamma=)

Okay, if you have been wanting to try your hand at little girl clips - go for it! It is so fun to see what you can come up with.

Make your life beautiful!

Menu Board Tutorial

2010-04-19T13:58:00.000-04:00

Today we are joined by my (Melissa) amazing sister Andrea. Today she is sharing something that will help you greatly with your menu planning and shopping lists. enjoy!

*******

I am so excited to be guest posting on Mamma Tortilla today! I'm a wife, daughter, sister, friend and mama of four little ones, five and under. I love chocolate, sleeping, reading, singing, hanging my clothes outside, and all things crafty. I'm not so fond of getting up early, meal planning and making grocery lists. But they simply must be done, and the sooner they are, the more time there is for crafting, right? I'll admit I've made more than one trip to the grocery store without a list and suffered the consequences! I'm free to sneak in a lot more crafting during nap time when I know what's for dinner.

So, here's my solution … while it is technically a craft (since it involves a glue gun ;), it's really more about getting the necessary done so I CAN craft.

I started with a magnetic wipe off board. But, it was so white and … white. Not something I wanted to look at every day. So I grabbed some fabric scraps and ric rac, (because, really, ric rac is so awesome); heated up my glue gun and a few burnt fingers later, it was much more pleasant to the eye. I did miscalculate and put eight spaces for each week … oops! It's turned out to be a nice place to jot down staples that I run out of during the week that aren't part of my actual meals, like mustard or flour. I used permanent marker to write in the days of the week. They don't show up that well on the dark fabric I chose, but I've found I rarely refer to them.

The next step is to write out all the meals you make on a regular basis. I decided to color code mine by category: crock pot meals, quick meals, soups, breakfast meals, and one category that covered everything else. I laminated scrapbook paper and put a magnet on the back of each one. It's not necessary to laminate them, but it makes them more durable and if I was going to go through all that work, I didn't want to have to maintain. I left one color blank to be used for planned leftovers and I write on this one with a wipe off marker. All of the other ones are written on with permanent marker.

You could just write in meals with a wipe off marker, but having all of your meals lined up in front of you makes your meal planning so much quicker. Other family members can easily choose meals, or you can choose based on what's on sale, or what you know will be in season.

We do our grocery shopping once every 2 weeks, and usually on Tuesday because it's buy one get one free pizza night at Whole Foods :) So you'll notice my dates start on Tuesday and end on Monday.

Here's how this works for us:

STEP 1: write in any events that will shape your week (ex. birthday party and dinner at church).

STEP 2: choose meals … I like to chose according to what my schedule looks like. So a busy day would be a crock pot meal and a night where we're going out is a quick meal. It also helps to have them color coded so I can quickly see if I have a good variety of meals.

STEP 3: write in preparation needs … I soak my beans overnight to be ready for cooking the next day, so I need to write that in for the night before I'll need them. Meat may need to be defrosted, or the crock pot prepped the night before so you can start the meal first thing in the morning before leaving for the day. This is a huge step for me. I'd often make up my meal plan, but fail to prepare for the next meal, so dinner time would come and I couldn't make what I'd planned because the meat was still frozen.

STEP 4: make your grocery list … this dreaded task is now a breeze. All the meals are in front of me, I just go through and write down the ingredients for each one, check my pantry to see what's already on hand, and check my staples, which I've already listed on the board as I ran out of them.

An added benefit of the magnet meals is that if our plans change and I make another meal or I just don't feel like making something that night, I can rearrange the magnets. I know that everything is planned out according to our schedule, so I know I have to take that into account.

This board has saved me a lot of stress and has helped us tighten up our grocery budget, too, since my meals are laid out and my grocery list is streamlined.

That's it … now, I'm off to craft.

*****

Andrea, Thanks so much for taking the time to share this with us! This is so much prettier than the paper I have on my fridge=p Need to get our glue guns out=)

LDC Desgins

2010-04-16T00:01:00.003-04:00

I am so happy to be guest blogging on Mamma Tortilla today!

First of all I will let you know who I am. My name is Lindsay, I am the creator of LDCdesigns. It started two years ago (although I have been making things my whole life) when I began making purses and selling them while I was in High School. Then I began going to school at Acadia University in Nova Scotia where I began to blog about what I was doing and what inspired me. This summer, when I have less work to do I hope to start selling some of my things on Etsy. Anyways.. here is a bit of what I have been working on lately..

Normally I do mostly Purses and wallets like these :

However, since I ordered theses awesome bobby pins from AT Supplies, I have been working on making cute little hair pins. One of favorite bobby pins uses this awesome diy from A Beautiful Mess.

[Photo from A beautiful mess]

These little braided embellishments can be used for almost anything! Pins, hair clips, key chains.. whatever you can think up! I even made some little ones into earrings.

Here are a few of the bobby pins I have made lately

I also have made some larger ones into hair clips.
You can put some leaves on it like I did to make it look like a little flower!

You can also attach them and make a necklace. I really want to try and attach a bunch of little ones to make a bracelet.

I just love this diy because there are so many awesome possibilities ! If you want to try something else, you can use yarn and braid it instead of fabric. It is a really cool alternative to fabric.

I hope you find this DIY as useful and inspiring like I did!

Lindsay C

LDC designs

On My Way..

2010-04-14T06:00:00.002-04:00

on my way

to Florida for my sister-in-law's wedding :) Be back next week. Special guests will be here while I'm gone. Congrats Jen on your big day!

The Chickens Are Here

2010-04-12T06:00:00.001-04:00

Please Welcome

Four Beautiful Baby Chickens

Born April 4, 2010

With Love,
Leslie, Scott, Austin and Chloe

hehe!! The chicks get their own birth announcement :) It was so special for them to be born on Easter. We are so excited to have them. I'll post more pics as they grow :)

Leslie

Pillow Week: Sand Dollar Pillow Tutorial by Leslie

2010-04-10T06:00:00.004-04:00

I was inspired by this Pottery Barn pillow for this tutorial which I instantly fell in love with. I'm ready for the summer and thought it would be great to add a beach feel to my house :)

So let's start:

Materials:
-2 17 x 17 pieces of white fabric
-beige fabric (scraps will do)
-hot glue gun
-1 button
-5 pieces of rope each 5 1/2"
- pencil
-blank piece of paper
-white thread
-sewing machine
-scissors
-poly-fil

1. Draw your sand dollar on a blank sheet of paper to create your pattern. Then cut the pattern out and place it on your beige fabric.

2. Center the sand dollar on one of your 17 x 17 pieces of white fabric and sew around the edges. You can also zig zag the sand dollar on to give it a design.

3. Take the five pieces of rope and place them on the sand dollar, creating a tear drop with each. Then hot glue each one into place like this.....

4. Hot glue the button in the center of the sand dollar. Next, draw five small tear drops in between the ropes with a pencil.

5. You will then zig zag stitch inside the lines.

This is what it should look like when its all done!

6. Time to make the pillow :) Take both pieces of white fabric and place them right sides together. Sew around with a 3/8" seam. Making sure you leave an opening to turn the pillow inside out and for stuffing!

7. Hand sew the pillow closed using a slip stitch. ALL DONE!

I heart pillows!

Hope you enjoyed our last tutorial for Pillow Week!! We had so much fun doing this. A BIG thank you to Obsessively Stitching, Samster Mommy and The Sewing Dork for doing all the beautiful pillow tutorials this week. You girls ROCK!

Lots of Pillow Love,

Leslie & Melissa

Pillow Week: Sentimental Scrap Pillow by Cynthia at Sewing Dork

2010-04-09T06:00:00.002-04:00

Please welcome Cynthia from Sewing Dork here today at Mamma Tortilla with another pillow tutorial! We are so happy to have her here and she has done a really cute pillow that you can cherish forever :)

**********

Like to have a keepsake of your child's outgrown clothes?

Got an old pillow that needs a facelift?

Here's a tutorial to turn those old clothes into a pieced pillow:

1. Cut strips of several coordinating fabrics which are slightly longer than your pillow on all four sides. You need enough strips to completely cover the pillow with a few extra pieces overhanging the edges at left and right.

2. The strips of fabric can be all the same width, or of varying widths. Leave some in their rectangular shape, and cut others off centre as shown below.

3. Arrange your scraps:

4. Start sewing them together like a quilt top:

5. You will need your pieced-top to slightly overhang the pillow on all four sides.

6. Use a coordinating fabric for the backer. Cut one backer piece exactly the same size as your pieced top.

7. With right sides together, sew the backer to the top leaving one end open (like a pillowcase). Turn right side out and press. Insert your pillow, then sew up the fourth side. Done!

- The Sewing Dork (www.sewingdork.blogspot.com)

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We are definitely making this!! That was awesome. Thank you so much Cynthia! Please go check her blog out you won't regret it. Check in tomorrow for our last pillow tutorial!

Leslie & Melissa

Luvin The Pillows!

2010-04-08T06:00:00.004-04:00

Here are some fabulous pillow's that we found that we wanted to share with everyone. Take a look and drool. It's spring time, update the house add some PILLOWS! If a pillow inspires you, click on the name and get the tutorial :)

The Purl Bee: Felt Flower Pillows

Pillow With Rosette Cluster by Felt Furnishings

Summer Accents

Anthro Tea Towel and Napkin Pillows

Button Throw Pillow

Be sure to check in tomorrow:)

Pillow Week: Samster Mommy & Ruffles

2010-04-07T06:00:00.004-04:00

The lovely Natasha from Samster Mommy is here today to lavish us with ruffles!! We are so giddy about having her here today. Enjoy her tutorial!

*******************

When the lovely girls here at Mamma Tortilla asked me if I wanted to participate in their super cute pillow tutorial week, they enclosed a few pics of some pillow ideas. As soon as I saw this one I knew I had to have it...But do you know what makes that ruffly goodness even better? Making it for free with nothing more than my sewing machine & an old bedsheet. Sigh. Makes a girl feel good.

Want to make one too? Good! Here's how I did it...

I chose to make mine from a bedsheet because a.) I had one & b.) whenever you're creating long lengths of ruffles it requires a lot of fabric & then it can get pricey quick. You'll also need a pillow insert & a sewing machine.

The measurements are going to be based on the size of the pillow insert you're using (mine is 18"x18", I'll include my measurements throughout in parenthesis) so instead of just giving you numbers I'm going to show you how to figure out your own. It requires a bit of math but don't worry, I seriously suck at math & was able to handle this pretty well.

First you'll need to cut out the basic pillowcase pieces. One big square for the front (19" x 19") & two rectangles that will make the envelope opening in the back. The length of these rectangles is going to be the same as the length of the pillow + 1" for seam allowance (19"), for the width you'll want to take 1/2 of your width + 4" so the pieces will overlap. (13"). Also I was sure to line up my fabric so that the "envelope" seam was already part of the sheet's finished hem, if you're not using a sheet now would be a good time to hem that side of the rectangleSet these aside, now it's time for tedious part, cutting & creating the ruffled strips. Get your good scissors/rotary cutter along with a ruler & a calculator if you're me. A good basic rule of thumb for creating ruffles is that you'll want to use a piece of fabric that is twice the length of what you want the finished ruffle to be. When I measure the total length of what I want my biggest square ruffle row to be it's 72", that means I'll need a strip of fabric to be 144" to make the ruffle. (See why a bedsheet sounded like a good idea??) Even with the twin sheet I didn't have 144" to make one long strip but that's ok, I could make two 72" strips.
So first ruffle step, cut out two 1"x72" strips.Now we have to finish the edge of the strips so they won't go fray crazy on us. I used my serger to create a sort of rolled edge but on a regular sewing machine you could either do a type of overlock stitch that wraps the edge or you could just do a small zig-zag stitch as close to the edge as possible & let the fabric fray up to that stitch line. I think this could actually look really cool, kind of a shabby chic look. So go ahead & finish your edges. This is gonna take you a minute so have a sweet treat to get you through.

Mmmm...jelly belly's...

Ready? Good! Take your beautifully seamed strips & start ruffling. There are a few ways to do this...
One, you could set your machine to your longest stitch setting & stitch down the center. After, hold onto your bobbin thread with one hand & pull your fabric up along your top thread with the other. Then pin & stitch the ruffle to your piece. Pros of this method- you can adjust the gathers to get them perfect. Cons- after you stitch the ruffle on you'll have to go back & pull out the ruffling thread. I hate extra steps.

Two, I've read lots of tutorials where people set their tension to the tightest setting & their width to the longest. Then when they stitch down the center of the strip it automatically gathers the ruffle as you go. After you would pin & stitch the ruffle to your piece like the previous method. Pros- your machine does the ruffling for you. Cons- I hate touching my tension, it makes me nervous. Also you'll still have to get rid of that extra thread.

Three- this is how I ruffle because I'm impatient. I gather the fabric under the needle as I go. Pro- saves you the extra step of having to pin & stitch your ruffled strip as well as no pulling out the extra stitch. Con- you kind of just have to wing it, there's no pinning & seeing how it looks before you stitch it to the piece. Here's a pic of what it looks like as I'm doing it...

(EW! Please pardon the dirty nails, we spent the day at the zoo & no matter how many times I wash them they still look dirty. Yick!)

Whichever method you use you'll want to place your ruffle 1" down & 1" in from the edge of your pillow top piece. I figure this will give me a 1/4" seam allowance & will put the ruffle 3/4" in from the seam once the pillow is all done. Start attaching your ruffle by folding the short edge in on itself, this is also how you'll want to connect pieces if your ruffle runs out. By starting on a fold it disguises the ends so they look like part of a ruffle...

When you get to a corner just leave your needle down in the ruffle, lift your foot & turn your fabric so you're heading in the new direction. Put the foot back down & keep on stitchin'!
Whew, one row done!Now that you have your 1st square row of ruffles done you can take new measurements for the length of the next inner row of ruffles. Just remember, the strip needs to be twice that length. If you need to make that out of several strips, no biggie. Repeat the entire process for as many rows of ruffles as you'd like. Or like in my case for as long as the naptime lasts. (:

Once your ruffled front piece is finished you're ready for the last step, attaching the front square to the back rectangles. Pin the 3 pieces right sides together with the 2 back rectangles overlapping several inches.Finally stitch around the entire outside of the pillow using a 1/2" seam allowance. Turn the piece right side out (a chopstick is a great tool for pushing out the corners) & stuff your pillow! Sit back & admire your mad skillz.

Thanks so much Leslie & Melissa for letting me join your fun pillow party! And thanks readers for letting me share a long but fun project with you, I hope you'll come see me at Samster Mommy for other tutorials!

*********************

Thank you so much Natasha for stopping by our blog and doing an amazing tutorial. Go visit her and let her know Mamma T sent you. She's got tutorials, naptime crafts and yummy recipes!

Pillow Week: Shirred Pillow Tutorial from Obsessively Stiching

2010-04-06T05:00:00.000-04:00

We are through the roof that Care, from Obsessively Stitching, is here with us today. She is sharing such a beautiful tutorial for out second day of Pillow Week! Be sure to visit her and see all of her tutorials. If you don't fall in love with her finger puppets...

*****

Hello, I'm Care from Obsessively Stitching. I've been creating and sewing for as long as I can remember, and I absolutely love having a blog as an outlet to share my projects! I've got oodles of fun tutorials, and would love for you to stop by and visit!

I'm thrilled to be here as a guest today, and am so excited to share my shirred pillow cover tutorial!

I've recently realized that I love TEXTURE. I've been experimenting with many ways of creating texture with fabric. This shirred pillow showcases one of my very favorite textures -- gathers galore! Why shirring? Because I wanted as many lines of gathers as possible, but without having to actually do any gathering myself! AND, with elastic thread, all your gathers are ensured to be perfectly even!

My instructions are for a 16" square pillow cover, but you could certainly adjust the measurements to fit any size. Here we go!

What you need:
~ 16" pillow form
~ One yard fabric of your choice
(a solid-color fabric that is not too heavy works best for this pillow. I used a cream quilt-weight cotton.)
~ Elastic thread
~ Disappearing ink marker
~ long ruler or yardstick
~ spray bottle
~ iron
~ your sewing machine, of course!

PREPARATION:

Cut your fabric as follows:
one 17" square
two 17" x 12" rectangles
one 18" x 30" rectangle

Load your BOBBIN with the elastic thread:

You will need to wind the elastic thread onto your bobbin by hand, being careful not to stretch the thread. (Sounds like a huge pain, but it goes quickly!) You will definitely need more than one bobbin of elastic thread.

Hem one long edge of each of your two 17" x 12" rectangles:
Press the edge down 1/4", then 3/4" and hem.

You're ready to sew!

STEP ONE: Set your machine's stitch length to about 4 1/2. With your elastic thread loaded in the bobbin and a thread to match your fabric loaded in the top, begin sewing along your marked lines. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of each line! When I get to the end of a line of shirring, I like to turn the fabric around and sew the next line the other direction. This minimizes waste on the elastic thread, and also means I don't have to clip threads until I am completely done with the shirring.

Shirred! I am loving the texture already!

STEP TWO: Spray your lines to make them disappear. You want them to be GONE before you press, since ironing over your disappearing ink may make it permanent!

STEP THREE: You need to press your fabric while it's wet to shrink up your elastic a little more and create even more texture. Pin one end to your ironing board, spreading it as flat as possible.

STEP FOUR: S-t-r-e-t-c-h your fabric flat ahead of your iron and press. (Don't you love my old-school iron? I could never replace that baby!) Once you've steamed all the water out of your fabric, you're done!

STEP FIVE: Lay your 17" square on a flat surface. Layer your shirred fabric on top (elastic side DOWN -- that's the back!) and pin one side as shown. Your shirred fabric will be scrunched up smaller than your 17" square. *Note that, pre-shirring, your fabric was 18". This was intentional, as the shirring will take up just a little bit of that width. Just make sure you are lining up one edge (in my case, the top) with the edge of your 17" square.

STEP SIX: Sew your pinned edge with a 1/4" (or less) seam allowance. Make sure those raw edges line up nicely!

STEP SEVEN: Repeat for the opposite side.

STEP EIGHT: The purpose of the second layer of fabric is to stabilize the stretchiness of the shirred layer. You now need to sew the top and bottom edges of your layers together. Pin your fabric to your ironing board, stretching it so that the 17" square underneath is flat.

Pin the two layers together at the top and bottom. Stretching the top fabric to exactly the width of your square will mean you have perfectly even gathers all the way across. Yay!

Carefully sew, again using a 1/4" (or less) seam allowance.
(*Note: When you sew the one edge that doesn't match up exactly to your square, sew it from the BACK to ensure you are making your square a finished 17" -- then trim away that little bit of excess fabric on the front.)

STEP NINE: I decided to tack my two layers together in four places on my pillow top. I used pints to mark where I wanted to tack...

...then carefully sewed a back and forth a few stitches right on top of the shirring, stretching all those gathers out of the way. The tiny little tack marks will hide in all those gathers.

Your pillow top is done -- now you just need to add the back!

STEP TEN: This is an envelope-style pillow cover, which means you don't need any piping, binding, zippers, or handstitching to finish it off! Lay your pillow top right side UP on your ironing board, again pinning it flat. Layer each rectangle on top, right side DOWN, with the hemmed edge towards the middle and the raw edges along the outside edges. Pin.

STEP ELEVEN: Sew all the way around, using a 1/2" seam allowance.
Turn it right side out and TRY IT on your pillow form to check for fit!

If it fits, go ahead and serge or zigzag your raw edges. You are FINISHED!

TA-DA!! Gorgeous!

I just LOVE all that yummy texture, and can't stop myself from running my hands over it just to feel it!

THANKS to Melissa and Leslie for having me here as a guest! I hope you will give my little pillow tutorial a try!

*****

Thank YOU, Care! We love the pillow and one (or two) may soon find their way to our couches and beds=)

Tomorrow, come back and visit Natasha, from Samster Mommy, and her pillow refashion=)

Pillow Week: The First of Five Pillow Tutorials

2010-04-05T05:00:00.003-04:00

We are excited here at Mamma Tortilla because this week we will have five pillow tutorials and three amazing guest bloggers from Obsessively Stitching, Samster Mommy, and The Sewing Dork! Fun times=)

I am going to start off the week with this nifty little pillow...

The seams on this pillow are visible adding a fun texture to the pillow.

Needed:
fabric about 3x longer than your desired length
fabric backing
contrasting thread
pillow stuffing

1. Take your top piece and fold it over one inch so that the wrong sides are touching.

2. Sew a 1/4 in. seam. Take material and fold over 1 inch from your last seam and sew a 1/4 in. seam. Repeat for the entire length of material.

3. Iron all seams flat. Be sure to only iron in one direction so that all your contrasting thread can be seen.

4. This is what the back of your piece should look like.

5. With right sides together, sew the top piece and the back piece together. Be sure to sew in the direction that the seams lay. Leave a 3 inch hole for stuffing.

6. Stuff and then slip stitch closed.

This is a pretty simple pillow once you get the hang of sewing the seams. And the end result is so fun. Each angle of the pillow gives you a different look.

The feel of the pillow is pretty neat as well. I love to run my finger along it and boop, boop, boop as the seams pop back up =) Okay, maybe I do need to get out more...

Be sure to stop by tomorrow to see the tutorial from Care of Obsessively Stitching!

Make your life beautiful!

Happy Holiday Weekend!

2010-04-04T00:01:00.008-04:00

picture

Just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter and Passover. I hope it was wonderful :)

Stay tuned for another exciting week :)

Birthday Round-Up and A Giveaway!

2010-04-02T11:28:00.002-04:00

We've had fun this week showing you some fun ideas and inspirations for your next party. We want to end the week with a round-up of great ideas from the web. Enjoy!

Eco-Friendly Parties - http://www.toppartyideas.com/eco-friendly-party-ideas/

http://www.kiwimagonline.com/articles/kids-birthday-party-ideas.php

A Very Fairy Party - http://familyfun.go.com/parties/very-fairy-birthday-party-844544/

Birthday Party Games - https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&view=bsp&ver=1qygpcgurkovy

Got to love a good Star Wars Party! - http://www.makeandtakes.com/star-wars-birthday-party-ideas

A Little bit of everything - http://www.cookiemag.com/food/birthday_party

An incredible blog jam packed with ideas! - http://www.birthdaygirlblog.com/

So many fun ideas here - http://partiesandpretties.blogspot.com

Frogs and Dogs - CUTE! - http://yievents.blogspot.com/2010/03/frogs-and-dogs-party.html

Seeing Spots - http://mrixiepixie.blogspot.com/2007/05/seeing-dots.html

Also, to end Birthday Week with a bang we are giving away a Birthday Banner Kit=)

You will receive the ribbon, jean triangles and either the letter patterns (if you want to use our own scraps) or the fabric letters.
Just leave a comment below for your chance to win. For an extra chance tweet, facebook or become a follower(or if you already are a follower). Leave a comment for each! Giveaway will close next Friday at 8:00pm eastern time. (closed) Congratulations Angelina!

We hope we were able to give you some fun ideas here on Birthday Week. Be sure to stop by next week for some fabulous tutorials from Melissa, Leslie, and THREE guest bloggers during PILLOW WEEK=) Just wait til you see who is coming to visit Mamma Tortilla!!! We are soooo very excited! You probably couldn't tell.

4 Party Ideas from 1 Fun Mamma!

2010-04-01T11:01:00.011-04:00

eWe have an exciting day here on Mamma Tortilla! We are happy to introduce to you Jill, a super fun mom, who was kind enough to share some awesome parties she has hosted for her twin girls. So sit back and get ready to be inspired=)

1st Birthday - The 2 Silly Monkeys

idea taken from one of their favorite books at the time...5 Silly Monkeys!)

We made mini bundt cakes--banana flavored with a light powdered sugar icing since this was their first taste of cake...sugar overload! I had found a chocolate mold at Hobby Lobby that was the linking arm monkeys from Barrel of Monkeys so those hung from the side of each little cake. We also had miniature banana splits. Since all their little buddies were fairly young at the time and messy little eaters we made white garbage bag full body bibs that said MONKEYING AROUND or GOING BANANAS AT REESE AND RUMOR'S BIRTHDAY PARTY! It made for easy clean-up!
My favorite part of their party had to have been their outfits though. I took a boring pair of jean shorts and a t-shirt from Walmart and transformed them into a cute outfit with a lot of detail. The back of the shorts have bananas made from felt sewn on and ribbon trim all around the legs. The t-shirt has a felt monkey face sewn on. Their little party hats are actually paper plates with felt, ribbons and a pompom attached...they looked so cute in them!

The twins 2nd Birthday!

2 Ring Circus

We sugared the kids up this year!

My mom made snowcones and each kid was greeted with one.

We had cotton candy, puff-corn, corndogs, circus peanuts and of course a GIANT CIRCUS CAKE! My first attempt at making a 3 tierd cake...I almost dropped it on the way outside!

The cupcakes were made to look like cotton candy and popcorn.

My friends 3 older children dressed up like the RingMaster, Strongman and Tightrope Walker. We had a stuffed lion and made a Circus tent from red and yellow plastic tableclothes.

Each kid got a foarm red nose and clown shoes...way fun!

And since the kids were a bit older this year we had games too...ball toss, fishing pond, pin the nose on the clown...but mostly we played.

For our twins 3rd birthday, we had a Luau!

My favorite part was the volcano that blew bubbles! I made it out of chicken wire and alot of plaster then painted it brown and had orange plastic flames and bubbles coming out the top. Mt Wannahaukalugi :) stole the name from Nemo! We put sand and seashells around the volcano too.

We also made a Tiki Hut using straw table clothes found at Target and Straw placemats we already owned...Twin-Ki Hut!

I found blow up palm trees and tiki posters from Oriental Trading. We set up pools and sprinklers for the kids to play in. The snowcones were such a big hit last year that we did it again this year and each kid got a cup cozy with a Luau scene on it.

The cakes...again, my favorite part (well next to the roasting hog with apple)...the volcano one started to crack...probably sensing its eruption...we put sparklers in it for a nice added effect...at leat the daddies thought it was cool!

It was yet another fun party!

Ironically enough, our FANCY NANCY 4th Birthday Party was by far the most simple!

The kids played dress up and decorated top-hats and tiaras. Then we opened gifts and ate cake. The table was set so cute and the kids all looked so cute sitting around it together. The girls decorated place mats for each of their friends and we had sparkles and pretties on the table. The kids ate cupcakes and parfaits (that's fancy for ice cream...from FANCY NANCY's book). I made the girls outfits again this year...except the tutus, I bought those. We curled their hair and added tiaras to make them look extra fancy. Another fun party!

Jill, Thanks so much for sharing your awesome parties with us. You are such a creative and fun mamma!

Have fun planning your parties and let us know how they turn out!

Leslie and Melissa

Creative Gift Wrapping

2010-03-31T00:01:00.000-04:00

We all love getting presents, of any kind! Whether it be little ones or big ones. What makes presents even more exciting is the wrapping . Here are some creative gift wrapping ideas :)

You don't have to something elaborate that takes hours and hours. You can do small things like get a paper bag, cut it open, and have your kids draw on it :) easy.

Take scraps of fabric and wrap your present. That way once they open the present they could use the fabric for another project. It's all about recycling and reusing.

Do you collect the tissue from the last present you got? REUSE IT! wrap the present with it, add stickers and wrap some ribbon around it! VIOLA!

Ran out of boxes to put your present in? Do you have a ton of plastic containers that don't fit in your drawer, like me? Find a container that you know you can live without and put the gift in it. That way the person receiving the gift can use it for something else:)

Want to get super creative! Mommy Meatloaf gave Chloe an Egg full of surprises. She got an egg from a craft store, painted the egg fun colors and cut it open zig zag style! FABULOUS!

I Love this idea! My friend Katie gave her friends daugther, who happened to be named Chloe as well, this basket. You can do the same thing. Go to the thrift store they have tons of baskets and buy one. Add some ribbon and felt ;)

Don't throw away your old calendars! Use the calendar pages for gift wrapping.

Picture taken by Real Simple

Ok, so there may be some of you who say "ok, I'm not creative, I just want to learn how to wrap presents !" Well I found a great post for you. Hideous, Dreadful, Stinky has three posts that show you how to package a gift, wrap it, and do the final touches :) I definitely got some tips reading these posts.

I hope this sparked some ideas for your next present wrapping extravaganza! Have more ideas? Post a comment and share with us.

Leslie

Cupcake Invitaitons and Party Favors

2010-03-30T06:00:00.003-04:00

Okay, I have to say that I'm pretty proud of myself for this one=) No copying here - just my pure genius (okay my husband just said he doesn't think my head will fit through the door now=p)

Introducing the best Invitations ever (drum roll...)

See? Didn't I tell you? They even pop off the little box to go straight to the refrigerator!

Okay so here is the step by step:
To make the boxes visit this site. They are super easy and once you get the hang of it you will be finished in no time.
1. Free hand or Google a cupcake picture that you like and copy to the size you want for the invitation. Then cut the top from the bottom
2. Trace the bottoms unto brown paper and the tops unto colorful paper. Cut out.
3. I wanted to add some depth so I used chalk to make swirls on the tops and "wrapper lines" on the bottom.

4. Glue the tops to the bottoms and add a little cherry (free handed and cut from red)

5. Use stamps or markers to add your text. Here is how mine read:

Here is a little taste of Bella's first birthday party!
Place:
Date:
Time:
RSVP:

6. Add a magnet to the back.

7. Put a little dab of glue and attach to your boxes.
8. Put a mini cupcake in your super sweet box and deliver=)

Alright, now on to the sweet cupcake favors...

Aren't they adorable? The little girls loved them and they really weren't that hard to make. Really. I learned to crochet on them and I made plenty of mistakes but they are very forgiving, I used this pattern from BitterSweet. But there are many free patterns for cupcakes if you Google crocheted cupcakes. Have fun!

Make your life beautiful,

It's a Cupcake Party!

2010-03-29T05:00:00.001-04:00

What a blast we had at Bella's first Birthday Party! It was cupcake themed with oranges, yellows, and pinks. I wanted to enjoy the company of family and friends so I tried to keep things simple. But, of course, I kept thinking of things to add=)

One goal I did have was to not make it so wasteful. Often times birthday parties are so disposable and I didn't want that. In decorating I tried to use things that could be reused after or give things a second life.

Left - Keeping it simple - cookies, crackers/hummus, and popcorn. My house is itty bitty and, while we love it and it suits us perfectly, I had to be resourceful in my food placement=)
Top - The Izze drinks, a natural soda, were awesome! I mean how often do you see sodas that coordinate with your color theme?
Bottom - My mom was clearing out her stash of kombucha bottles and (once again) they matched my color theme. I took them all and put silk gerbera daisies in them around the room. They added such a great splash of color and after the party I put them all together for another arrangement I don't have to worry about watering.
Right- I found a sheet set that I used in my apartment before I was married and had a double. I made the top sheet into these reusable napkins. I was so excited when I found the set because it matched perfectly. And before I was married I never made my bed or used a top sheet :o so it was brand new. I love that I can reuse these for so many things. I would suggest getting a head start on these though. Don't start the night before - which I didn't by the way =)

Top - This cupcake banner was originally a place mat found on clearance after Valentine's Day - what luck! Left - I love decorating with real flowers. This added a bright pop and I can continue to enjoy it after the party.
Right - I bought (on clearance=) a pack of Martha Stewart hair accessory kit for the little girls to put together. They had fun and it was a favor that would last a little longer than a cheap plastic toy.

Isn't she adorable! I know I'm biased, but really? Look as that smile, and the way she clapped when we sang to her? Adorable.

She hasn't had any sugar yet and while I wanted her to have the messy first cake pictures I didn't want to bombard her little system with all that sugar. However, that didn't mean that I had to substitute taste so I made her a Raw Strawberry Pie. Oh. My. Goodness. It was divine! Seriously you must try this!

Raw Strawberry Pie (found on Happy Foody) By Colleen Patrick-Goudreau

picture from Happy Foody

It is best when served within an hour or two of preparing it, since
it is at its most fresh then, but it holds up just fine in the
fridge.

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Chilling Time: 1 hour
Servings: 8-12

Crust:
2 cups raw almonds or pecans
3/4 cup pitted dates, preferably Medjool

Filling:
5 cups sliced ripe strawberries
5 pitted dates, soaked 10 minutes in warm water and drained
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

Place the nuts in a food processor and grind until they’re a coarse
meal. Add the 3/4 cup of dates (for the crust) and process until
thoroughly combined. Press the mixture into a non-stick or very
lightly oiled pie plate or spring form pan.

Arrange 4 cups of the sliced strawberries on top of the crust and set
aside.

In a food processor or blender, combine the remaining 1 cup of
strawberries with the 5 soaked dates and lemon juice. Puree until
smooth. Pour the sauce mixture over strawberries.

Refrigerate the pie for 1 hour before serving. This will help the pie
set and will be perfect for slicing.

I hope this little look into Bella's party has given you some ideas and inspiration for your next birthday party.

As a thank you for stopping by and in the spirit of giving I want to pass along the cupcake banner. I love it, think it's adorable, hate to see it go but don't want to just store it. So, if you are planning a cupcake party or any little girl party - leave me a comment and let me know. I'll let random.org pick the winner at the end of the week.

Be sure to come back each day this week for more awesome ideas. Tomorrow come back to see how to make THE cutest invitations and cupcake party favors. Once again - not biased=) Seriously, so awesome!

Make your life beautiful,

Birthday Week is Here!

2010-03-28T16:26:00.000-04:00

And we are so excited about the ideas, crafts, and projects that we have to share with you!

Check back bright and early tomorrow for the first of many fun ideas and inspirations.

Here is just a little taste of what is ahead=)

Guest Tutorial From My Repurposed Life

2010-03-26T00:01:00.015-04:00

Please welcome Gail from My Repurposed Life who is doing a guest tutorial here today. We are so excited to have her :)

Hi, my name is Gail. I would like to thank Leslie and Melissa for inviting me by to get to know you.  I write a blog called My Repurposed Life. This is what I say in my profile “I am a mom, aunt, sister, cousin and friend to many. I am in the process of repurposing my life, after many life changing incidents. I love to look for trash to turn into treasures! It is what makes me happy, and keeps me busy.”

Coat Rack Memo Board

I bought this little beauty at the Peddler’s Mall months ago for less than $5.00. (of course!)

I’ve been debating on what it wanted to be when it grows up. I finally decided that it wanted to be a memo board. Since I didn’t have a bulletin board the right size, I repurposed a ceiling tile that I got at the Habitat for Humanity restore for .10 cents. I measured it and carefully cut it with a utility knife.

I used burlap to cover it. However, if you look closely you will see that I first lined it with paper. I didn’t like how thin the burlap was, allowing the ceiling tile texture to show through.

I taped it all down. I added some webbing for an extra detail and an additional option for holding items. I used hot glue to hold the webbing down. It’s looking a little ugly on the back --

--so I used some white craft paper to cover it all up. I then added some d-rings for hanging.

ta-da! All done! I love the look of the burlap and the webbing together.

I love making pushpins out of unique items. Here you see that I made them out of Scrabble tiles and very old “wooden” checkers.

Pretty cool, huh? I really like the way it turned out!

Gail
My Repurposed Life

Gail- Thank you so much for coming over today and doing one of your amazing tutorials. Go stop by her blog to find all the other treasures she has created!

Leslie & Melissa

A Bright Spot - Tissue Flower Tutorial

2010-03-25T13:07:00.001-04:00

More from my living room update! In the corner of my living room is my favorite piece of furniture of all time - a 1949 cabinet. I found it at a yard dale for $40!!! I about fainted when she said the price.

Okay anywho, I needed a tall "something" to place on top and was coming up empty. Then while browsing Martha Stewart's website I saw some wedding flowers made from tissue paper. Brilliant!

So, I took some bright blue tissue paper and with an Easter bush in mind created this...

Not over the top but just enough "pop" to make it a perfect - and it looks great next to my new thrifted vintage hat box.

I loved the outcome! It is so cheery and - bonus - I don't have to water them and they will never die=)

To create your own here is what you will need:
- Hot glue gun
- Tissue paper cut into small squares

-Branches

I first crumpled the squares of tissue paper to give it more depth

Then I flattened it out a little and grabbed the middle and "fluffed" out and up.

Add a little dab of hot glue (this is a little blurry because I was rushing to take the picture and get the flower on before it dried!)

And place on the branches...

repeat until your branch is full!

I also did little ones to look like buds=)

It was the perfect touch to my new fabulous living room. Sigh...love!

Make your life beautiful!

A List

2010-03-24T00:01:00.002-04:00

I've been doing lots of journaling the last two weeks and it has been very liberating. Even if I write one word that whole day I feel great getting it down on paper. I use to journal as a teenager, I believe I had three journals by the time I left to college. I am on the man hunt to find them and to go back as me during my teens. It would be interesting to see how much I have grown since then plus I want to remember all my adventures :).

Part of my assignments for my Yes! class is to make lists, positive and happy lists. When I read I had to do this I was in heaven. I love lists. I love crossing an item off when I have accomplished it. The other day I was thinking of a list to write and all I could come up with was:

1.Laundry
2. yikes i hate laundry
3. more laundry
4. two more loads of laundry
5. almost there with the laundry
6. last load drying
7. OH NO AUSTIN AND CHLOE MADE A MESS.....another load
8. phew....laundry done for today.

haha! I laughed when I read it the next day but hey it was a realistic list and it told a story of my day. So, grab a pencil and some paper (doesn't have to be a journal) and make a list. A happy list, a positive list, a funny list, a goal list or any ol' list. Write the list in crayons, colored pencils, alphabet stickers, or just make the list pretty. When your done hang it somewhere :) I would love for you to share lists if you guys want or you can email me at mammatortilla@gmail.com.

Happy Writing,

Fabric Covered Frames

2010-03-23T08:00:00.005-04:00

A few weeks ago I decided that I wanted to do a "little" redecorating before Bella's birthday party this weekend. Well a "little" has turned into a full blown bedroom and living room redo! But in all honesty it was looong overdue.
We moved in 2 years ago and my bedroom only ever received paint and a few badly placed pictures. My living room was, well just plain ugly and the rhyme and reason was nonexistent=)

Well no more my friends=) I love walking in my bedroom it feels so peaceful and complete. My living room is starting to look fabulous, bright, cheery, and I smile each time I enter.

So here is one of the few projects I have done for the living room - Fabric Covered Frames.

*Disclaimer* The pictures you are about to see are in sore need of help. I'm not sure what happened to me and my camera this time around=p Needless to say, they look much better in person!

I got these two frames when I was in High School, but I never knew what to do with them. They stayed in my bedroom when I moved out and every so often my mother reminds me they are there (in an effort to get me to take them) then I remind her that parent's house are free storage for at least 5-10 years after marriage=)

Well, I finally found the perfect spot for them=)

My first idea was to use these frames and little clothes pins to attach pictures. But once I hung them I couldn't bring myself to mess up the "art" with my snapshots. It just looks to clean and with the material I used I think it would have been too busy.

Materials:
Chicken Wire - I technically don't need this now because I'm not going to clip pictures - but I like the look)
staple gun
frame
fabric
wire cutters

1. Lay out and staple chicken wire to the back of the frame.
2. Cut off extra wire around the frame - be careful the wire tends to pop up and cut your fingers=p
3. Lay fabric over wire, staple, cut off extra.

Wha La! Easy, easy, easy=)

Stay tuned for more living room projects!

Make life beautiful,

Squam Art

2010-03-22T15:26:00.004-04:00

Just imagine a weekend getaway by yourself or with your favorite gals in New Hampshire creating, designing, and being surrounded by inspiring women.............DREAMY! Well you can do it, there is a special place in New Hampshire called Squam Art Workshops. They offer a wide range of creative workshops that you can take from journal writing , painting, photography, sculpture to even song writing :).

This dream weekend getaway got added to my *list* of things I want to do. Anyone ever been and want to share their experience? leave a comment so we can chat :)

Yes!

2010-03-19T08:02:00.004-04:00

picture by: madelyn mulvaney

Since Chloe turned 1 and now Austin is 2.5, everything seems to be falling into place (ok, I'm writing like they tuned 18 and they are leaving the nest), I guess because we survived a whole year with kids that are only 18 months apart. To us that is a huge accomplishment. Not that we weren't going to make it, but there were times where I don't know if I saw the light at the end of the tunnel. With that being said, I feel like its time to do little things for myself and to find myself outside of mommyhood. Your probably thinking "what about Mamma Tortilla", well yes I have Mamma T but I crave for some more outlets and more creativity that I can share here.

This week I started a 6 week online e course called Persisting stars ~ Yes~ e-course. LOVE IT so far! and it's only the first week. We journal everyday and have interesting photography assignments that take us out of our box. Madelyn, the instructor, really makes you think in all of her assignments and helps you say Yes! to your dreams :) I will be posting some pictures of the assignments we do as the weeks go on. I'm hoping this class teaches me to say Yes! to more things and instead of letting fear and hesitation take over.

Of course, Mamma T is still crafting but you might be seeing more pictures and other inspiring things as well. That's why I like blogging because there isn't any limitation of what we can post, do, and help others to unleash their creativity.

Week 1: Meet The New Members of Our Family

2010-03-15T18:00:00.001-04:00

We are so excited to share pictures of the new members of our family ......8 chicken eggs. Mommy Meatloaf was very nice to give us some eggs so we can hatch them, we do have to give them back though. I remember doing this in kindergarten and thought it would be a great learning experience for Austin and Chloe. We started a journal so we can track how our eggs are doing each week and I will be posting them here so everyone can follow . Austin did name his eggs: Two, Egg, Ryan, Molly, Miles, Hailey, Russy, and Poop (yes he did name one poop).

Back To The Basics: How to Make a Pillow

2010-03-13T00:01:00.002-05:00

I decided to go back to the basics and show you how to make a pillow. Yeap thats right a pillow! There are a lot of new sewers out there who just want to learn the basics and create something simple but pretty. No refashioning and no complicated stuff just something nice for someone or even for yourself:)

Materials:
- two pieces of fabric any size you want the pillow
-poly-fil (you can buy this at any craft store)
- any color floss you would like (optional)
-embroidery needle (optional)
-sewing machine
-scissors
-needle (optional)
seam allowance : 1/4"

1. Optional: if you would like to embroider a name for this pillow, do this before you do anything else. I used a pencil to write what I wanted then I used all six strands of floss and did a basic backstitch. Here is a good tutorial how to do a backstitch.

2. Next, take your two pieces of fabric and have the pieces right sides facing.

3. Pin both pieces together that way your two fabric pieces stay together when you start sewing.

4. Now go ahead and sew around the pillow using a 1/4 seam allowance. Make sure to leave an opening.

5. Now turn your pillow right side out and stuff your pillow with the poly-fil.

6. You can either hand sew your pillow closed or using your sewing machine :) VIOLA!

I hope you enjoyed this back to the basics post. If you have any questions, please email me or leave a comment. Don't be shy if you are new at sewing. I am still new at it and I learn something new all the time.

Creative Vibes To You,

Ta-Da

2010-03-12T08:56:00.001-05:00

Notice anything different? yeap, its a Refashion Friday for Mamma Tortilla. Emily, from The Rubber Punkin, was nice enough, cool enough, amazing enough, and just plain out AWESOME to help out in refashioning Mamma Tortilla. She created this amazing banner and the button. Thank you so much Emily. Your the best Blogger Amiga EVER!! She was able to incorporate everything that represents Mamma Tortilla. Even the design is from my, Leslie, favorite apron in the world. We hope everyone loves it as much as we do!

SO GRAB THE BUTTON. Spread the word about Mamma Tortilla!! Invite us over to your blog, email us, chat with us. Let's grab a virtual cup of tea together. Let's hear from our readers. What do you guys want to see on Mamma T, suggestions, love notes, funny jokes, pictures, or maybe just a plain hi.

Much Love,

Birthday Week is Coming and We Need Your Help!

2010-03-11T09:37:00.000-05:00

Birthday Week is coming and we need YOUR help! The first week on April will be Birthday Week here on Mamma Tortilla and we will be featuring a new birthday craft, tutorial or idea each day.

Here is where you, lovely readers, come in...

Send us your favorite birthday ideas, foods, links, traditions, games or pictures of your birthday blasts.

Each day the first week in April, we will post a few of your ideas/pictures along with our crafts and tutorials. Just send us an email with your submissions to mammatortilla@gmail.com.

Okay, now send away (please! If we don't get any e-mails Les may cry...you don't want that do you?)

Have a great week!

.

Follow Your Dreams

2010-03-07T00:01:00.003-05:00

picture by martawrites.blogspot.com

I just took a wonderful and inspiring online blogging and business class this week over at Marta Writes blog . It was a week of inspiring quotes, expert panel of advice, and great tips on blogging/business. I recommend everyone to head over to her blog and look at last weeks posts, it was free. She even has the workbook on sale at her store :)

So why take the class??? Well let me start by saying, I started this blog as an outlet and to just journal my life as a stay at home mom. I had no goal or wasn't trying to gain anything from it. But since I started, its been such an awesome experience. The people I have met, the crafting that I have done, and the inspirations I have gotten from others has been great! Mamma Tortilla has become baby # 4 (I include my husband in that baby list) and I am hoping to expand her as much as possible. With the help of the class I was able to say "you know what...i love to craft. i love to write. i love to photograph (though Melissa is the amazing photographer on here). i love to blog. so why not follow my dreams, passions and take a leap of faith?" Here I go again, I'm jumping but not down... UP!!

Stay tuned for many exciting things at Mamma Tortilla :)

Leslie

A Home Refashion

2010-03-06T14:49:00.002-05:00

I once was just an ordinary wooden box that held tea...........

Now I am a beautiful jewelry box for a special little girl

Supplies you need:
-Acrylic Pain (I used Americana Paint on sale at Michaels. Colors: primary yello, Vivid Violet, Citron Green)

-Paint Brushes

-Krylon Indoor/Outdoor Spray Paint (I used Ivy Leaf color)

-Painter's Tape

-wooden box

1. I put tape on the areas that I did not want the spray paint not to go on. Take your time doing this and make sure you cover the area completely.

2. Go outside and have fun spray painting :) I let the box set out for 24 hours after I was done spray painting and even had to go back for some touch up.

3. I used different sizes brushes when I was doing the flowers. I put flowers on each side of the box. Try out what you want to draw on a blank sheet of paper before starting. I had fun doing this! I felt like a big kid painting and I loved it. What was great about the paint I used was that I was able to take a wet towel and wipe off any mistakes.

I'm giving this box to Chloe for her birthday so she can put her jewelry or any little special item she wants.

Opps! I forgot the "after" picture

2010-03-05T15:54:00.000-05:00

Okay, I forgot to post this "after" picture this morning when I posted my refashion=p So, when my husband came home for lunch I had him take a picture. However, I had just given my bathroom and kitchen a deep cleaning so I cut off my head in the picture to spare you the shock=) To see the before click here.

Refashion Friday

2010-03-05T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last Saturday, my husband and I were going out on a date and I couldn't find my black cardigan anywhere (I still can't find it)! I mean, my house is pretty small and it was clean (at the time:) so where in the world is that thing?!

Anyway, I didn't want to find a whole new outfit so I did an incredibly quick refashion.

- Cut this shirt down the middle
- ironed on some seam tape
- sewed on a hook & eye
- ironed =)

10 minutes and I love it! I never wore the shirt before because it was too low for me but now it is perfect.

Make your life beautiful!

Birthday Banner Tutorial and Download

2010-03-04T06:00:00.002-05:00

Bella's birthday is in just a few weeks and I have been wanting to make a birthday banner for a while - so here was my perfect opportunity. My sister made one a few years ago and I have been drooling over it for a while. So, I called her and got some measurements(thanks Andrea!) and since I had to make a template to print I decided to share it here for all you lovely readers=)

I used a jean skirt I bought for $2.00 at goodwill, ribbon from my wedding, and scraps for the letter.
I love it so much. I especially love that it can't be ripped like a paper banner and will last for years - one of those things that has to be at every birthday.

Sigh=) Love.

Okay it's pretty simple -

Triangle Template
Letter Template

1. Cut out the paper templates for the triangles and letters.
2. Cut out 13 triangles
3. Trace letters unto fabric and cut - Use bright colors that don't blend with the jean. Also you will need to trace some of the letter twice like "A"
4. Topstich letters unto the triangles
5. Sew triangles to tie. For the tie at the top you can use ribbon or bias tape. I didn't pin I just eyeballed it as I sewed=)

Ta-da ready for years of memories!

Make your life beautiful,

The Bodkin

2010-03-03T12:17:00.000-05:00

Okay I know I have been missing for a while, but it seems like since I came home from Texas, Bella and I have been falling in and out of one sickness or another=p We are both starting to feel better and I do have quite a few things to share.
First, remember that awesome tool I wanted to share - the one that I said I would share the next day and then disappeared? Okay, for less than $2 your life will now be complete...well maybe not...but at least a little easier=)

Introducing the Bodkin! (If you already know about this just act surprised to humor me)

I purchased a pattern online from a lady in Australia and she mentioned this tool. I had never heard of it and wondered if I could even find it. Well, there it was in Jo-ann's with all the sewing notions.

Are you wondering why you need this tool? Well, you know when you need to run elastic through a seem? You have to get a safety pin from your sewing basket, only to realize the one you had you stole for that outfit you wore last week! When you finally find it, you start trheading the elastic through and then *slip* the safetly pin comes undo inside the seem!!!

Well, no more, my good people! The bodkin is made just for this purpose and is awesome! Go! Buy! for a $1.50 you can't go wrong=)

Here is the other hat I made for my niece and I used the bodkin to thread some ribbon through the holes (1 minute max).

Enjoy. And if you already knew about it...well then... shame on you for not telling me. =)

Make your life beautiful,

Twitter

2010-03-02T16:06:00.002-05:00

When I first started this blog I registered for twitter but never actually tweeted. One of my goals for this week is to start tweeting :) Its actually really exciting because I have to admit.....i love to text :) and the fact that I don't have to be on the computer to tweet is very exciting!

You can find MT here.

Happy Tweeting,

Fairy Garden

2010-03-01T15:40:00.000-05:00

Austin's friend, Miles, had a birthday two weeks ago and our family was trying really hard to think of something to make him. Between my family and Miles' we always give each other handmade things. It's this unspoken rule we have between us. The crafts that have been created have been amazing.

So since Miles has a new imaginary fairy friend in his life and she is really special to him, we decided to make him a fairy garden. A special place where his fairy friend can live.

This fairy garden was inspired by The Magic Onion blog where she tells you how to make all this cute fairy stuff :) It was such a great way to include my kids and husband in the crafting. We all had so much fun and gave each other a pat on the back on how well it turned out.

side note: I didn't take enough pictures of the process so sorry. I got caught up in making the garden and the last picture of the final project is through my phone :( so these pictures don't give it any justice.

The start of the project

Austin helping me get all the dirt in the pot

The construction of the house

The Fairy Garden included a house, a table, chair, a pond made out of coconut, and a clothing line (we put some of my fabric scraps on the clothing line). It has a real garden that we planted seeds and in this picture you can see them sprouting :) Oh and she has a bed in the house too!

The Cutest Slippers

2010-02-28T15:28:00.000-05:00

I think this is going to go on the top of my project list!! SUPER CUTE! Check out french press knits blog where you can buy the pattern:)

Happy Sunday!

I have a confession...

2010-02-24T16:00:00.000-05:00

Scarf I made for Miles (Austin's BFF)

I've been slacking on the sewing yeap I said it. Phew! It's off my chest. Why? Well for the next couple of weeks I will be hosting a bridal shower, birthday party, bachelorette, I'm in a wedding and in between all of that more birthday parties. Oh and more importantly a birth (well I won't be there but I will be waiting anxiously). So I have been busy doing that.

In between taking deep breaths and planning, I am knitting away. Yeap a new love that I have found. I tried making a hat and pulled it out four times (the pictures from a previous post was a hat gone wrong). So I went back to the basics and I'm learning how to make a dishcloth. Can anyone recommend any knitting blogs??

Drum Roll Please.........

2010-02-18T00:00:00.003-05:00

The winner of the Mommies Three Giveaway Hat is..........Kate at bkwrm333@yahoo.com. Congrats Kate! Check your email :)

Thank you everyone for participating in our giveaway and much love to the Mommies Three girls for hosting this. YOUR AWESOME! Check out their website for more of their really cute stuff.

Creative Vibes To You,

The Easiest Little Hat

2010-02-16T12:49:00.000-05:00

Bella hate hats, and she especially hated the one I made her wear. It straped under her chin and was just a little too bg so when she turned her head one of her eyes was covered. I know - Poor neglected child! Well something had to be done (actually I just misplaced her hat so...=)

I had some white chenille yarn in my stash and had recently seen this post from The Sewing Dork or I decided to give it a go. You have to understand the only thing I have ever crocheted was a rug and most things that I start with yard end up on the needle for a couple of years and then pulled out and rewrapped into a ball. All that to say this is SO SIMPLE.

I modified the Sewing Dork's pattern a little for a faster result=)

Here's how it goes...

1. Make a slip knot and chain 6 and then form a circle with the chain by making a slip stitch into your first chain. This will be the tight center circle of your hat.

2. From here on out it is super simple. Crochet two new double stitches into each existing stitch. So you go from 6 stitches in the first circle to 12 in the next. From here it is adding stitches by feel. The weight of your material and the size of your stitches will determine how many stitches will be in each of the next circles. For the first few circles I crochet two new double stitches into each existing stitch. Then I start to do every other then ever 5...you will get the feel of it.

3. Then I just keep going round and round until my piece covers the top of her head. From the point I stop increasing. Just crochet until the hat is long enough. Ta-da. It may sound complicated if you have never crocheted but it really easy! I suggest finding a friend who can show you - Thanks Mrs. Carol! - or a good youtube video.

You can leave your hat as is or add some embellishments. Tomorrow I will introduce you to one of the coolest sewing tools ever that I used to embellish my niece's hat! I know you can barely contain your excitement=)

Spotlight on Brenda

2010-02-15T11:31:00.000-05:00

I had to share with everyone this beautiful quilt that my friend, Brenda, has been working on for a year. It is a block of the month quilt, she gets the fabric to make four blocks per month for one year. She started in February 09. Each block has the same black background fabric and features two different batiks per block. She is a very talented and extremely crafty. I remember her telling me when we worked together (she is my former boss and now good friend) that her and her mother would go away for quilting weekends :) What a great way to spend some quality time with your mom and craft. Very therapeutic I might add :)

I really love sharing other woman's crafty projects. I believe that is inspiring to see how the amazing things that other women make (men too) and gets motivated to start crafting yourself. So, if you see me posting a lot on what others do, its because I really enjoy showing the artist in everyone.

Thank you Brenda for letting me share this with everyone. Oh, she also sells Alto's QuiltCut2 quilt cutting systems. http://www.quiltcut.com/products_quiltcut2.html and Martelli Rotary Cutters http://www.martellinotions.com/. If anyone is intersted email her at quiltcut@gmail.com

Mommies Three Giveaway!

2010-02-13T14:35:00.000-05:00

I decided to do another giveaway in honor of Valentine's Day!! The amazing ladies at Mommies Three were so awesome to host this :) We will be giving away this really cute trendy hat with cute flowers on it. It's really awesome hat to have especially when you don't have time to fix your hair (like me ). Check out their blog they have other really cute items.

I asked Mommies Three the story behind how they got started. Keri, of the Mommies Three, stated:

Basically I started making hair bows and tutus from my daughter and 3 nieces. My friends at work started asking about the bows and tutus and before I knew it I had sold several tutus to a few co workers. Another friend from work Laurie, started making covered wipes cases and paci clips. We thought it would be fun to have a little "show" in the deli of our office building. We invited another friend who does sews burp cloths and onsies to join us. After our first show in the deli of our office building, we decided to take our items to craft shows. Thus far we've only done a few shows, and we hope to do a few more in that fall. We decided on the name Mommies Three since there are three of us and we are all moms. Something unique about the three of us is we all work full time outside of our homes, so Mommies three is just a part time thing for each of us currently. We have only been doing it seriously for about 8 months or so and have only been to a few shows. It's hard to juggle a full time job, a husband, and kids along with crafting, but each of us love what we do and it a great sense of accomplishment and pride when someone actually loves something we make.

Amazing! Kudos to them for juggling their career, their passion for crafting and more importantly their families :) Love hearing stories like this.

Ok back to the giveaway! You know the drill, these are the various ways to enter. Become a follower or facebook fan of Mamma Tortilla AND Mommies Three. Leave a comment and say that you blogged or tweeted about this giveaway, make sure you leave your blog site on the comment space. Or you could post on your Facebook putting a link back to Mamma Tortilla or Mommies Three. No matter which way you choose, please leave a comment for each. And please please make sure to leave an email address or someway to get a hold of you, pretty please :)

The winner will be selected by random.org on February 17th ! I will read every comment and visit your site as well :). Good Luck and POST AWAY!!

Leslie :)

Warm & Fuzzy

2010-02-11T16:06:00.001-05:00

These fingerless gloves were super easy to make. I just cut off the sleeves of the sweater and resized them to make them fit my arm. By the way, I threw the sweater in the wash with hot water. Then I sewed down where I wanted my thumb to be. Lastly, I added stretchy hem tape. There you go :) I was going to add buttons to them but I got so excited that they were done and I wanted to wear them, that I said "forget it, they are cute just they way they are."

BYE BYE old wool sweater and HELLO cute fingerless gloves! Now my hands are all warm & fuzzy. My husband has been making fun of me because I love them so much I will make any excuse to wear them around the house :) As you see, I wear them inside the house while I drink my tea :)

Hope you have a crafty day,

Brrrrrrrrrr.....It's Cold

2010-02-10T11:12:00.001-05:00

If you live in the East Coast right now, you know that we are getting slammed with a lot of snow. That being said, we are all snuggled in at home enjoying the time we are having with our families. While we have been stuck indoors, I've been doing some knitting. Really its been knitting 101 for me. I actually love knitting now (the little that I have done). It's relaxing and I can go anywhere with it. We even piled ourselves in the car last night and went to Michaels to get some more yarn :) We were the only ones in the store...haha.

Send some warm vibes to Melissa she has had no electricity and when she got it back we got another storm!!!

And The Winner Is....

2010-02-03T22:37:00.006-05:00

Charlotte Starett!! Congratulations! We are so excited for you. Email us and we will arrange with Abbie from Bunny Lane Designs to get your beautiful doll to you.

Thank you everyone for participating in our giveaway. A special thank you and big hug to Abbie for hosting it. We love your stuff. We will be having another giveaway shortly so stay tuned!

The Mamma Tortilla Girls,

Leslie & Melissa

SpoonFlower

2010-02-01T13:42:00.007-05:00

In my hunt to find out more about fabric designing, I discovered Spoonflower. This company allows you to print YOUR OWN fabric design. Yeap you read it right. YOUR OWN FABRIC DESIGN (ok,I might be the last person who has heard of this but I am really excited). The even better part is that you don't have to have Illustrator or Photoshop to design your fabric. You just need a scanner! Ok, and maybe some other things. I haven't tried it yet but its on my to do list for this week (with a million other things...hehe).

I wanted to share this with everyone who is interested in doing this. If you have already tried it let me know what you think. I will post a picture of the fabric I eventually design :)

P.S. Don't forget that Lizzy House's ebook comes out today, How to Enter the World of Textiles: For the Quilting Industry. Go to her blog and find out the status on the book. There might be a slight delay but she is working hard to get it online.

More from Texas

2010-01-29T15:57:00.000-05:00

These poor quilts were left out of my last post because they were on the beds. Each of these were made for my Memaw by the ladies in her church.

This is the same bed that my mom and aunt shared many many many years ago (kidding mom=) I'm thinking about sneaking the bed and a quilt in my suitcase home. Hopefully Memaw won't do a bag check!

I'm Thinking....

2010-01-29T07:40:00.002-05:00

Warm weather, long afternoon walks, and the farmer's market. I'm anxiously waiting for spring/summer to get here. I know its just January and we still have about two more months to go but I am over winter :) So I decided to start preparing myself for the farmer's market. Took one of Chloe's old laundry mesh bags that had gotten a hole in it and made it into a cute produce bag :). I love it!! It was super easy to make :) It took a total of 15 minutes!! All you need is a mesh bag of any type, ribbon, stretchy binding, thread, sewing machine and there you go! EASY!

picture taken by Austin (age 2)

Creative Vibes To You,

Memaw's Quilts

2010-01-28T10:04:00.000-05:00

Before I start...looking for the giveaway? Click here!

Somethings will forever bring wonderful memories to me and Memaw's quilts are one of those things. The memories associated with her many quilt's include things like throwing them over the dinning room table and having a fort with the cousins or cuddled underneath whispering late into the night.

Visiting my Memaw's house now as a mother (and sewing addict=) I've decided that that is what I want for my kids and grand kids - the hall closet that is filled with memories in quilt form.

Besides it is one of the few things that become more charming the more worn it becomes.

I'm on a mission...

Make your life beautiful!

Giveaway!!!!!!

2010-01-27T21:14:00.012-05:00

Woohoo! Our first giveaway of the year :) Ok, if you love little girl dolls and quilted blankets, then this is your giveaway. Abbie from Bunny Lane Designs is doing a giveaway for us here at Mamma Tortilla. Make sure to check her blog out and let her know that Mamma Tortilla sent you. She is very talented and we love all the things she makes :)

The giveaway is a doll that has two outfits and a matching baby quilt. The doll has dark brown hair and brown eyes. Abbie is willing to do a CUSTOM hair and eye color doll, if your little one doesn't have dark hair. The doll comes with a pajama outfit, a top with jeans and white socks, and she measures about 15" tall. The baby quilt measures 17" x 14". WE LOVE THIS DOLL!

Entering is super easy! You have a couple of ways. Leave a comment and say that you blogged or tweeted about this giveaway, make sure you leave your blog site on the comment space. For another chance to win, leave a comment about why you would love to have this doll. Make sure to leave an email address so we can get back to you. You could also become a follower or fan on Facebook. Even better, you could post on your Facebook putting a link back to Mamma Tortilla. No matter which way you choose, please leave a comment for each.

The winner will be selected by random.org on February 3rd!. We will read every comment and visit your site as well :). Good Luck and POST AWAY!!

Leslie & Melissa

Guest Tutorial from Rubber Punkin

2010-01-25T06:00:00.036-05:00

On Monday, our tutorial was featured on Rubber Punkin and today Emily has her own tutorial here on Mamma Tortilla. We are excited to feature the...

Embellished Onesie (with a big girl version too=)

1. Hold the fabric panel up to the collar of your shirt. You can either use a marking pencil and trace along the neckline so you know where to cut, or you can fold the edge under (using the collar as a guide) and iron flat. Cut out the fabric panel to your desired shape and size, but be sure the collar meets flush with the neckline.

2. Fold the rough edges of the fabric panel under about a 1/4" and iron flat. Starch comes in handy at this step because it makes your creases nice and crisp. Pin the panel to your shirt. Use LOTS of pins because the jersey will stretch and pucker if you don't.

3. Sew the fabric panel to the shirt, sticking close to the edge.

4. Embellish it however you please. I embellished a white onesie(top) with a collection of vintage buttons atop lace, sticking with the white color scheme. With the purple shirt, however, I just sewed a ruffle down the center. I'm planning on adding a variety of black ribbon later. If you would like a tutorial on how to make this ruffle, please leave a comment on this post.

Like I always say, make this your own. Sew on strips of silk ribbon, fabric rosettes, lace, you name it! It's just the tip to make a blah shirt a little more interesting. Plus, it's super simple... my favorite.

Emily - The Rubber Punkin

Emily,

Thanks so much! We love simple and hate boring so this is a perfect tutorial for Mamma Tortilla! Such an easy project that has such a huge impact.

A revised version of the tissue box toy

2010-01-22T06:00:00.002-05:00

Remember this awesome toy that I raved about? Well, my little munchkin showed it a little too much love=) And tissue boxes aren't that sturdy anyway so I had to come up with a solution.

So I took this box that my husband saved from the trash and taped up the opening.

Then I flipped it over on its side and cut out an oval opening.

Then I covered it with stash fabric and hot glued it down. I cut the material in little tabs around the opening, put dabs of hot glue on ans pressed them under the rim. Per usual I got more hot glue on my fingers than the box. grr!

This box is much sturdier! In fact I accidentally stepped on it this morning and no damage done!

Make your life beautiful!

Interested In Fabric Designing.......

2010-01-21T16:13:00.002-05:00

How About Orange posted an awesome link to an ebook that is scheduled to come out next month on how to become a fabric designer. Lizzy House has written an ebook called How To Enter The World of Textiles: For the Quilitng Industry. HOW EXCITING!!

She's going to inform you on how to present and design your work to a manufacturer!!!!WOOHOO! I was jumping out of my seat when I read this :) Thank you How About Orange for posting this.

I'll be back to posting some crafty stuff next week. I've had limited internet access :( So have been making the 45 minute drive to my grandmother's to use her internet :) haha. hey, i get good food and internet. Can't beat that!

Finger Puppets and a Call for HELP

2010-01-21T13:13:00.000-05:00

Okay, the madness has begun! I am headed to Texas to see my grandmother on Monday and since Bella is high energy (read: won't stay still for a minute=) I have decided to make/collect all new toys that she hasn't seen before. Yes, by Monday...3 days! I started with these finger puppets.

The tutorial came from Make Your Own Baby Stuff and can be found here. I used a crinkly bib for the frog to add a sound element, hopefully to keep her attention just a bit longer=) I think my pig looks more like a dog but I don't think Bella will notice=) Stay tuned for more toys (and hopefully a few refashions for me!). I also made a car seat cover for the airport that I hope to post soon.

If you have any ideas, suggestions, or tips on flying with a 10 month old please share! She is an avid nurser so that will help with the ear pressure and I'm hoping she will sleep, since I planned the flight at her nap time, but I want to prepare for the worst=) Super excited for Bella to meet her great-memaw, wish me luck and share your wisdom!

Make your life beautiful!

P.S. Look for our first giveaway and a great guest tutorial early next week!

Special Hand Delivered Poem

2010-01-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

Today I received a hand delivered written poem.

Not an email

Not printed by a computer

Not "snail mail"

A good ol' fashioned handwritten, hand delivered letter

And I wanted to share because a lot of our followers are moms, crafters, wives, employees, etc.

"The House Didn't Get Cleaned Today"

- A Poem to Remind You Why Thats Ok

The last time someone asked me what I've been up to, I didn't know what to say~ The house didn't get cleaned today ~ My career didn't advance~ My life didn't get any more organized than it was before ~ My "to-do" list didn't begin to get done; it might have even grown by an inch or two! I didn't live up to my horoscope's prediction for the day~ I didn't even have time to remember which bills needed to be paid~ I barely managed to get a bite of lunch, let alone transform macaroni into the "evening entree"~ The last time I looked, I don''t think my waistline gotten much smaller, but I'm pretty sure the bank balance has~ I'm not driving the latest car, or living in my dream house, or doing lots of other things some people think are essential to do~ but I am doing something that's the most important thing in the entire world to me......

I'm cherishing the moments, I'm trying to meet the challenges, and I'm doing my part to raise a very precious family~

-Laurel Atherton

I had to share this with everyone because it is so true! So when everything feels like its piling up and things aren't getting done (especially keeping up with the blogging). Come back to this post and read it. Makes you smile and puts everything in perspective.

p.s. Thank you Katie!

Guest Blogging Tutorial at Rubber Punkin

2010-01-18T16:22:00.001-05:00

Today I am doing a guest blog tutorial at Rubber Punkin!

Go over for a visit to see how to make this adorable, super easy and quick girls dress. Bella received a dress like this for Christmas and I loved it some much because of how simple it is to dress her. She isn't a huge fan of getting dressed (she has to sit in one place for more than a second!) and this dress is quick to put on but still looks like two pieces.

While you are there, check out Emily's other great posts, tutorials and free downloads on Rubber Punkin.

Onesie to Dress: A Guest Tutorial from Ramona Burkeshire (part two)

2010-01-16T19:56:00.000-05:00

Alright now that you have your basic dress finished...you did make one yesterday didn't you??? Here is one mama that is on the ball...

Here are the tutorials from Ramona for the pom pom and the ruffles. Enjoy!

Embellishments

Here are some of the ways I’ve embellished these…

*adding t-shirt ribbon roses, (here’s a handy tute on making these roses, I really like making them from double-faced satin ribbon http://www.offray.com/106b.html, but for these dresses I just used strips of leftover jersey.)
*embroidery: echo a print or geometric design from part of the dress, or choose something all new,
(http://www.sublimestitching.com/patterns/all Sublime Stitching is a great place to start if you want ideas)
*pom poms
*ruffles

I’m going to show the ruffles and pom poms here today

Easy Jersey Pompoms!

I made 2 of them for this dress

Materials:
jersey scraps
needle
thread

Cut square-ish shapes from your scrap onesies or t-shirts (or both, like I did) that are roughly 3x3” DO NOT BOTHER MEASURING! I can get 4 rectangle-y bits from the bottom of my daughter’s onesies, and then I
cut similar shapes from t-shirts.

Stack up 5 or 6 of these shapes, staggering the colors and the directions (you can do more, for a more full pompom, but my scissors will only cut about 5 layers, so you might have to cut a few layers at a time).

Sew up and down in the center a few times to attach the layers .
If your dress is ready, you can sew the pompom onto your dress now, with the same thread, or, make a knot, cut off the needle and thread, finish the pompom, and sew it on later…(I would sew on now, but this one was made just for show, and I don’t have anything to sew it to…oooh, maybe I need to go make a headband for my daughter to match…)

Make 4 cuts, roughly symmetrical, from the edge to about ½ an inch from the center/where your stitching is.

Cut in the middle, again to the ½” margin, and then again, but don’t cut so far… each of the 4 squares should look like this… if you cut too close, the fabric will just tear off.

Tthis picture shows the pompom all done, with all the cuts in
place. (if you haven’t sewed it on something yet, do so now!)

Once it’s sewn on, shake/fluff the layers, and it’ll look like this:
When it’s washed, the edges of the fabric curl in and look even fluffier.
(If you’re a neat freak, wash it, and then trim it so all the layers are even.)

Ruffles!

This design was totally inspired by the awesome work of Alexis over at My Mama Made It.

Materials:
scrap jersey,
clear elastic (I used 3/8”),
coordinating/matching thread (it’ll show),
needle, etc

Cut a few strips from your T-shirt leftovers (mine were about 1” long x the width of the shirt).

Sew them together, to make a LONG strip. Don’t bother trimming
for neatness, you’ll be cutting them apart later, it’s just easier to
gather once than 5 times.

Read this tutorial on Indietutes about “Gathering with Clear Elastic” It’s brilliant. This was my first attempt, and I’m a fan!

Measure from the neckline to the waistline of your dress, in the
center, and about an inch out (times 2). Also measure your cuff (times
2). Add together and add an inch or two for wiggle room, and cut that
amount of clear elastic. (Or be lazy, and just cut off like 25” of
clear elastic, gather it all, and then cut up the pieces to fit.
Gather following the tutorial. I lengthened my stitch, and used a
teflon foot… (If you have sticking issues with your foot, put a
Kleenex, tissue paper, toilet paper, etc on top of the elastic/below
the foot, so your foot will glide over the rubber. After you sew, the
paper will be easily rip-off-able)

Fold over the top and bottom of the center gathered strip, and pin
them to the dress. Sew down the center, over the gathering stitch,
backstitching at the beginning and end

Fold over the top and bottom of the side gathered strips, and pin them
to the dress, (I placed my strips roughly 2” apart, when measured from
gathering line to gathering line), again, sewing down the center, over
the gathering stitch, backstitching and the beginning and end

Sew the cuff pieces into rings, (sewing right sides together),
and then pin them to the dress. Match your seams (cuffs and sleeves)
so that the seams on the cuffs won’t show much, and sew them down, as

you did for the bib ruffles. This part is a little tricky, since the sleeves are so small, but go slowly, and make sure to keep the back of the sleeve out of the way, turning the dress as you go.
Tada

Ramona, Thanks again for such great instructions and pictures! Keep up the creativity=)

Onesie to Dress: A Guest Tutorial from Ramona Burkeshire (part one)

2010-01-15T06:53:00.001-05:00

Today we are excited to host our first guest tutorial! Ramona from TheBurkeshires is joining us to show how to make this adorable baby dress.

We first saw Ramona's work on Wardrobe Refashion and clicked over to her blog... you will want to visit too, to see her other amazing tutorials and projects. Here is a little about Ramona...

I'm living in my home town of San Pedro, CA, (forgotten suburb of LA), with my WONDERFUL husband, 3 year old boy, and 1 year old daughter. (and 4 cats, 3 hens, and 2 big dogs). I love sewing, knitting, embroidery, dancing, reading, and learning new crafts...(when I'm not busy playing trains or construction, of course...) I also love ellipses and parenthetical statements.

Easy Baby/Toddler Dress Tutorial

To make this empire-waist baby dress, you need:
1 onesie that fits (at least the top, collar, sleeves need to fit, but it can be too short)
1 adult or child (not baby) jersey or stretch shirt (so you don’t have to hem the bottom) or you can use about ½ a yard of jersey fabric (45-60” wide), sew it into a big circle, and hem the bottom.
Needle, thread, machine (I use my serger, but zigzag on a regular machine would work too), imagination…

Instructions:
Cutting: Lay your onesie out flat, and draw (or just eyeball) a line across from side to side about an inch down from the arm pits. Cut across.
Save the part you just cut off; you might want to use it later!
The top part will be the top of your new dress!

Grab an old shirt of yours (or husbands or older childs). I used a medium sized mens shirt I had previously tried to refashion, but it still had the whole bottom part, so it totally works for this! Cut off the lower ½ just like you did with the onesie. Save the top of the shirt! You might want to use it later!

Pinning: turn the T-shirt inside out, and keep the onesie right side
out. Match the side seams, and pin, right sides together.
Now find the ½ point for each and pin those together. The shirt
will be much bigger than the onesie, but when you sew it together,
it will gather up nicely. If you’re shirt is really big (this will
give you a nice full skirt on your dress), pin the ¼ and 1/8 points
as well.

Sewing: Start sewing at one of the ¼ points towards a side seam. Stretch the onesie to match the unstretched t-shirt as you go. See how stretched out the onesie is? But DON’T stretch the t-shirt! And don’t PULL on your fabrics, you’ll ruin the timing on your machine. Just stretch the onesie, but allow the fabrics to go through the machine as easily as they can. The reason you should start where I suggest is in case you have a really big shirt: if you let the shirt bunch near the center front and back of the onesie, it’ll look like
you put little pleats in. (and you can, if you have a big enough shirt
and want to take the extra time)

You can see here, from the lettuce edge, that I really stretched my onesie, but it w9ll go back down as soon as I wash it.

TADA! You’re done!Turn the dress right side out, and iron (clearly I forgot that step), and admire!

If you have a onesie or a shirt with prints, feel free to stop here. But, if your onesie was as plain as mine, paired with a plain colored t-shirt, you might want to decorate it.

Join us tomorrow as Ramona continues her tutorial and explains how to make some adorable embellishments for these dresses, including a pom pom and the ruffles featured in the first picture!

Note to all makers: feel free to take/use whatever portions of this tutorial you find helpful/inspiring. You can make something awesome without too much work, or you can put a lot of effort into it and keep
it as a family heirloom. I love these because my daughter looks cute, is comfortable, and they’re so easy/fast/cheap I can afford to take risks. Worst case scenario: it’s a nightgown that nobody else ever sees!

Take cute pictures, and add them to my Flickr group (please?!?! I just started it just for this! http://www.flickr.com/groups/burkeshires/), or just let your little one enjoy her new dress (and hey, it’s cotton
jersey, so it can get super dirty, ‘cause it’s super washable!)

Hope you enjoy making some cute dressed for your little ones!

Ramona,

You did a fantastic job! Thanks for sharing your creativity and taking the time to show us how it's done=) That last picture is precious!

Pants to Lacy Scarf

2010-01-14T12:20:00.001-05:00

I can't get enough of Ruffles and Stuff - Disney's style is awesome and I love to copy her projects=) Here is the latest one I have put my spin on. I took these 60 cent girls super soft pants, cut the legs off, sewed them together and closed the edges.

Then I "borrowed" my mothers basket of lace (as you read this blog you will find that I love to "borrow" from my mom's sewing room!)

Then I just sewed the lace down the length of the scarf. I would suggest pinning first to make sure you have the strips spaced correctly. I wear this as scarf by day ...

and when I went out on my anniversary with my husband I wore it as a shawl.

Normally, I'm not a lace kind of girl, but this scarf is to Anthropology too turn away from=) Okay, no more scarfs...for now=)

Puffy Pouch at Pink Penguin

2010-01-11T11:43:00.000-05:00

Saw this tutorial at Pink Penguin and its definitely on my to do list. It's super cute and a great purse for the spring :). I hope everyone is having a wonderful Monday! We are finally feeling better at my house!!

Fabric Travel High Chair

2010-01-10T09:47:00.001-05:00

Inspired by This Mama Make Stuff, I made this nifty little portable high chair for Bella. It was pretty simple with only three rectangles to fit together. And while it isn't escape-proof (don't turn away from them or they may wiggle out- not that I would know=p) it is great to keep in the diaper bag for those times a high chair isn't around. It would make a great baby shower gift as well. The very easy to understand tutorial can be found here. The only thing I would suggest is making the strap that goes around the baby a little longer to accommodate chairs with wider backs.

Make your life beautiful!

The Best Baby Toy in the World

2010-01-09T10:22:00.000-05:00

It doesn't get much easier than this. No sewing and in a matter of minutes you have an awesome toy that doesn't get old and has great practical value!

I have a cold right now and there is a tissue box next to the bed within arms reach of Bella. I often turn around and find her with the box between her feet and the tissues spread all around. So, I gave her her own tissue box. With cloth tissues. She will sit there for at least 20 minutes pulling the tissues out and handing them to me or putting them next to her. Then I just gather them all up and put them back in the box for round two! This is great because we use them as tissues as well - one less thing in our house that is disposable!

I gifted these to one of my nieces who loves to play with tissues and also for a sister who doesn't use disposable...well...anything=) Great for the environment, your wallet and a super easy gift!

Materials:
- 1 empty tissue box
- cloth for tissues - I used fun animal/fish/bug prints that I got for free and didn't see myself using for anything else. They are all hues of green and ended up looking really nice in the green striped tissue box. However, next time I might use flannel to make it a little softer for noses.
- pinking shears (or the willingness to hem each cloth)

1. Cut your cloth into squares (the size is completely up to you I just used a tissue as a rough guide)
2. Put into the tissue box

Told you it was easy=)

Make your life beautiful,