This past Monday I taught a little class about mending to a group of 10 and 11 year old girls. Since we had a small budget, I put together inexpensive mending kits for each of the girls, inspired by a video tutorial on Martha Stewart. Is there no end to the wonderful uses of the […]

Yesterday afternoon my girls each invited over a friend to make crayon hearts using this tutorial from Martha Stewart. They were so easy and fun to make.  And once we hung them in the windows, they prettily catch the light. As an after school snack for the kids I made a plate of Valentine Peanut […]

I have a little thing for Mason jars.  Beyond their obvious use for canning, I love Mason jars for storing leftovers, dry goods in my pantry, giving soup to a sick friend, and even to store things like clothes pins. They are also the perfect package for a Christmas gift- pretty, useful and best of […]

A few people have asked for the dish cloth pattern that my mom knitted for my birthday. The pattern comes from her Aunt (and my Great Aunt) Evalyn. I’ve gotten started knitting dish cloths to give as gifts for birthdays and Christmas.  I love using them for washing dishes and wiping down my counters.  They […]

A while back I spotted a wonderful Washi tape magnet project on Craft and I filed it away in my brain for a must make… When a phonebook was left on my front porch with a magnet stuck to the front, I was seriously psyched.  I already had super cute Washi tape from Martha Stewart […]

It seems like it should be December 15th, but two empty spots on our Advent say different.  Ready or not, Christmas is here. I’m good though…  I’m deliberately choosing NOT to worry about what I didn’t get done. Instead I’m trying to enjoy these last few days before Christmas is here…. like drinking a cup […]

Every year since I was young, my mom has served up chili and homemade breadsticks each Halloween night.  It’s a delicious stop for friends and neighbors along their trick or treat route.  About 10 years ago, she started serving piping hot homemade donuts on Halloween along with her other offerings.  There is standing room only […]

My daughter is going to be raven this year for Halloween.  The base of the costume was a lovely long tutu from last year’s dance performance. It was easy to add the other elements of the costume with such a good start. I looked around the internet and found a template for a costume on […]

This week has been a whirlwind of cooking, canning, and costumes. Yesterday was spent with my friend Kate for our annual day of canning applesauce.  We’ve both looked forward to this day for months, despite a mishap riddled canning day last year. Yesterday was our best applesauce day ever.  The apples were so tartly sweet […]

This past week I’ve been slogging by with a cold and sinus infection.  Bleck!  Whenever I get feeling rundown like this, I get a craving for happy yellows and lemons.  Fresh lemon squeezed in hot water is one of my favorite ways to fight a cold.  The vitamin C is just a bonus as far […]

I could wile away the hours Conferrin’ with the flowers Consultin’ with the rain And my head I’d be scratchin’ While my thoughts were busy hatchin’ If I only had a brain… There’s something homey and humble about a good scarecrow. They are so make-it-do that it seems like a shame to ever buy a […]

I was thinking about how (in the good old days) we used to scavenge our Halloween costumes from the attic or from the thrift store.  Sure, my mom would sew costumes here and there, but often we used our ingenuity, safety pins and a hot glue gun. I’ve always sewn fun costumes for my kids, […]

This post was originally created for Skip to My Lou’s Craft Camp.  I am running it today so the tutorial is here on Make it Do too. Today I’m sharing a project that most of us have made or tried at least once in our life. It’s the original, “Can you hear me now?” No, […]

This past week we got together with our cousins for a little tie dye activity. We invited Jen, a tie dye expert, to come teach us how to tie dye. Jen has been tie dying for a long time… she estimated she has dyed well over a thousand items.  She was so organized and knowledgeable […]

Remember this old porch swing.  I inherited it last year when my parents replaced it with a new one.  My husband said he would rather it be donated to the thrift… or thrown in the garbage.  I, on the other hand, saw nothing but a lovely opportunity.  I’ve always wanted a porch swing. But last […]

The Blogger’s Quilt Market Meetup is just around the corner and we are pleased to have Making Memories and the Slice Fabrique as a sponsor for the event. A few days ago, I received a surprise package on my door step. The wonderful folks at Making Memories were kind enough to send me a Slice […]

Last month I was a guest on Ucreate making this wonderful chicken wire basket out of an old unused lampshade.  I am reposting it on Make it Do so I have it in my archives.  If you missed it on Ucreate… you are in for a treat.  This is a fabulous project… easy and recycled […]

A day to fly kites might just be the perfect sort of spring day.  This week I am focusing on the little moments.  The ones that happen when you stop and smell the flowers.  Flying kites is just that kind of activity. On any given day, there are any number of more important things to […]

Every year on St. Patrick’s Day, my dear friend gives each of my children a card with a $2 bill. The tradition began when she was a child, when her own neighbor gave her a $2 bill each year on St. Patrick’s day. He told her a $2 bill was lucky. My kids sure think […]

It’s so easy to make these sweet little doll party hats.  All you need is a handy template, patterned scrapbook paper, scissors, glue, a pompom and round elastic cord. These hats are just the right size for a favorite doll… and are even perfect party hats for a tiny party. Click here to download my […]

A birthday party starts with an invitation.  And for a 1930’s party, an invitation that looks like a handkerchief is just about perfect. A quick internet search turned up the perfect template for my invitations….  found at Eat Drink Chic by Amy Moss. Amy’s handkerchief templates were so lovely and perfect, I ended up using […]

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and we’ve been busy as bees creating Valentine gifts for friends and family. What sweeter gift to give than a little bit of honey? It makes a perfect gift for a teacher or a dear friend. If you would like to download the printable template I created click […]

I finished my new laundry tin… and I LOOOVE IT. Not only does it look great, it also solves a problem.  I buy the large box of detergent from Costco for my laundry.  It doesn’t fit in my cupboard, or in the space under my cupboards.  It just sits there in the way, looking quite […]

I have a small stack of old frames from my last home.  Though the frames are outdated and worse for wear, I’ve hung onto them with the idea that one day they would be candidates for a makeover. The first frame’s flat edges made it the perfect candidate to be covered in fabric. Here’s how: […]

Several people have asked about the pattern for our favorite felted slippers that my mother-in-law, Kit, makes for us.  I’ve done a bit of checking and they are a Fiber Trend Pattern called Felt Clogs.  She uses one pattern for children and another for adults.  Here’s a link to purchase the pattern from Fiber Trends […]

When I was a little girl, we had a basket of heart ornaments that sat under the Christmas Tree. I have spent a lot of time this month at my mom’s helping with our family’s business.  I couldn’t help but notice the little felt hearts hanging on my mother’s Christmas Tree. Seeing those little hearts […]

I’ve been looking for a way to display all the Christmas cards we receive each year. In years past they’ve been lined up along the back of my entry table…. and looked a real mess.   I’ve seen a few solutions that cost money, too much money. Then I spotted this Land of Nod Holiday Work […]

Several people commented or emailed asking for ideas on how I package the Stove Top Potpourri to give as a gift. Here’s a few ideas: A decorative Chinese takeout box makes a perfect container for giving stove top potpourri. The box is just the right size and I never get tired of their charm.  All […]

I was hoping to share a few finished projects today. But instead everything is still in progress. Orange Glazed Poppy Seed Bread… lots and lots of bread today to give as gifts.  This bread is sooooo good. Also in the works is lots and lots of Stovetop Potpourri.  Who knew that finding cinnamon sticks in […]

Every year the grapes we pick at Mamaw’s in October are put up into jelly to give as Christmas gifts. I love to give a small jar of jelly with a loaf of homemade bread. In a season deluged with sweet treats of every kind (treats I love and give too!) a gift as fresh […]

I am the Hospitality Chairperson for my kid’s elementary school PTA. That means every Christmas, I need to come up with a nice gift for about 70 people, including all the staff and teachers.  Of course, my budget is next to nothing.  Every year my goal is to give something that is thoughtful, and let’s […]

Growing up, my family always carved  pumpkins with triangle eyes and nose.  They were quick, simple and very predicable.  I like to think they had a classic charm. But then I married my husband and found out that pumpkin carving can be serious business… I loved this headless horseman from last year. Our pumpkins are […]

Holy cow, it’s almost time for my kids to head back to school… and that means one thing: My project list is very long. Since I might be the most hairdo challenged person on the planet (my girls can only dream of french braids), the only hope my girls have of looking cute is hair […]

What better way to dress up for the 4th of July than with a little sparkly headband crown? Make one for your little girls… or let them decorate their own… either way this a quick and easy project. To complete this project, you will need: Cardstock Embellishments, glitter and glue An inexpensive headband Here’s how […]

“Never eat more than you can lift.” -Miss Piggy Very good advice for a picnic Miss Piggy.  I’ll try to remember that. But sometimes a little weight at a picnic comes in handy…. like on a breezy day for instance. Here’s what I did to solve the windy-day-fly-away tablecloth dilemma:  This tutorial can be used […]

I love the 4th of July and this time of year I start thinking of all things red, white and blue. The look of a classic bunting is on my mind.  So this morning I pulled out some of my supplies of ribbon and fabrics and started to play around. This little bunting inspired ribbon […]

I’d like to welcome Vanessa from V and Co. She is incredibly talented… and I never fail to find inspiration when I drop by her blog.  You are going to love her tutorial… she takes what is little more than a scrap of fabric and turns it into a lovely piece of fashion.  Thank you […]

10 to 12 hours in the car is going to be a long trip for my kids.  It’s the longest drive we’ve ever made in one day.  To help pass the time,  I am putting together a travel car kit for each of them. Luckily for me, Martha Stewart created a very stylish and free […]

I’ve slowly… very slowly gotten to work on my son’s quilt for his bedroom.  The hardest part has been coming up with the pattern I wanted to use. Ben liked a bull’s eye pattern… but I wanted something just a bit more rustic… maybe to tone down the very bright fabrics going into the quilt. […]

I’ve been on the go with my sewing class and needed a safe place to keep my needles. The solution was this cute little Matchbook Needle Keeper.  It’s so easy to make, it only takes a few minutes. Here’s how to make one: Cut a piece of scrapbook cardstock weight paper 5 3/4″ x 2″. […]

Making a fabric headband cover is easier than you think.  It all starts with inexpensive thin headbands from the grocery store. For this project you will need a small piece of fabric…. mine was 15 1/4″ x 1 1/2″ and your cheap headband.  Oh, and a sewing machine. The first step is to measure your […]

Top of the Mornin’ to ya.  First off I wanted to thank you all for your encouraging words in response to yesterday’s post.  Even though I had determined myself not to let criticism bother me… your support really lifted my spirits.  Thank you. Now to a bit of St. Paddy’s Day fun. After I finish […]

The party invitations went out this week for my girls’ 8th birthday party.  I wanted to make them homemade…. and I wanted to keep them simple. A bowl was my best friend for this project.  I used it to trace the toadstool cap.  Then I drew the bottom of the toadstool free hand.  Once I […]

Here’s a bit of what we’ve been up to around our house.   A little Bird House for Emma’s Valentines.  We made it out of an old box.  Emma painted and punched and glued to her heart’s content. And a tree for Lily to “squirrel” her Valentines away.  Do you recognize the container for oatmeal?  How […]

I love making a special breakfast on Valentine’s Day.  And since Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday this year… there’s actually time to enjoy a leisurely morning. Here’s few easy ideas for showing your love with food this Valentine’s Day morning: Heart Shaped Muffins Using your favorite muffin recipe, place the batter in paper baking […]

Last week, when I was fiddling with making my Pom Poms and Hearts Brooch, I made some fabric covered buttons.  I wanted to incorporate them into the brooch.  But after fiddling, I decided they didn’t work. I had to find another way to use these cute buttons.  And the obvious answer was to make hair […]

Earlier in the week, I showed the Girly Skirts I made for my girls.  But I wanted to add a little extra something sweet to the outfits for Valentine’s Day. Then I had an idea at 2:00 am that seemed brilliant and I wanted to give it a try. Like most ideas I have at […]

The girls and I are making Pinecone Elves today… They seem like a sweet way to welcome in the New Year.  And thank heaven for a day with nothing to do but what we want.  Happy New Year and Welcome 2010. We will open the book.  Its pages are blank.  We are going to put […]

Making my home smell wonderful is so important to me this time of year.  The smells of the evergreen, cinnamon, orange and spice all mean the Holidays are here. A stove top potpourri mix is an easy inexpensive way to make your home smell wonderful.  Packaging the mix in a Holiday bag makes a wonderful […]

Last week Janean, a dear friend of my mother’s, dropped by my mom’s while we were baking together.  She had read on my Holiday Calender that our family would be making gingerbread houses this weekend. She brought us a delightful surprise.  Her husband, who owns a cabinet making company, had made Candy Cottage Kits to […]

I think I must have snowflakes on the brain.  It’s finally snowing here, which makes it feel like Christmas.  I love the snow!  I love playing in it and I love being cozy in my house when it’s snowing outside.  A good storm makes me want to work on a project or to curl up […]

When my parents-in-law were newly married and both in school, they faced decorating their Christmas tree with no money to buy ornaments. The solution came from what they, as young students had in abundance… white typewriter paper.  They folded and cut and soon their tree was blanketed in beautiful, elegant snowflakes. As the years passed […]

Its the most wonderful time of the year… while I agree with Johnny Mathis, the holidays can also be incredibly stressful as well.  There are many things I have to do… decorate my home, send out cards, buy and wrap gifts, bake, sew.   And there are many more things I love to do. Because I […]

This gift idea that doesn’t cost much and is so easy to make.  It’s Peppermint Popcorn.  After receiving a bag for Christmas last year, my husband asked me to figure out how to make it.  I took the recipe for White Chocolate Popcorn, and simply added the crushed candy cane… and the result was festive […]

There are lots of ways to express gratitude.  But I sometimes I need an exercise, something visual, to help me really think about the things that matter to me most. The answer this year was a Gratitude Tree. It all started with a need to prune my Contorted Filbert Tree.  It was blocking the pathway […]

Yesterday, my girls and I were working on a few Christmas gifts for their friends.  One thing led to another and I found myself making yet another flower pin.  This time a Poinsettia.  I loved this project and ended up making two for my girls, and plan on making more.  They are perfect as a […]

Last year we received a snowman kit from one of my dear friends as a Christmas gift.  A few days after the gift arrived, we had an epic storm and the kids spent hours playing in the snow and building their wonderful snowman. It was such a fun idea, and I was sure I could […]

During the Holidays, I love gifts that either make my life easier or are a fun activity for my family.  Today’s Make it Do gift idea does both. Several months ago the fabulously talented Bakerella had a post about cookies in a jar- Cowgirl Cookies.  And my first thought was what a perfect gift for […]

A cozy bed warmer is one of my favorite things.  Put them in the microwave for a few minutes and they work wonders for cold feet, aches and pains, or plain old stress relief.  Bed warmers make a such a wonderful gift.  They are easy to make, inexpensive, and both pampering and useful. For years […]

A few weeks ago, I decided to wander through Dear Lizzie, a small boutique near my home, to look for Handmade Christmas gift ideas. Right as I walked in the door, I spotted the perfect project.  It was a darling fabric flower pin, and I knew it would be easy to make at home.  It’s […]

Two sheets of thin black poster board is all you need to create a spooky display this Halloween. I got this clever idea from Martha Stewart.  I simply sketched a witch with a white colored pencil to the back side of the poster board.  She is so tall, I had to tape two pieces of […]

Double, double toil and trouble; fire burn and cauldron bubble. – William Shakespeare It’s getting spooky around here… and the little witches love it.  Even though she can hardly see above the rim of the cauldron. I always look forward to decorating for Halloween… and I love that many Halloween decorations don’t have to cost […]

My kids were out of school Monday.  So we headed up to my mother-in-law’s home to pick Concord Grapes.  She says the best time to pick Concord grapes is right after the first cold snap. Picking grapes is a great activity for kids.  Since they love both grape juice and PB and J’s with homemade […]

Canning applesauce is one of my favorite canning days of the year.  It smells heavenly when it’s cooking… and yesterday was shaping up to be a wonderful canning day.  It was the first real cold snap of the season and the weather report said to expect rain (we actually had snowflakes falling, though not sticking.)  […]

Making a decorative dish towel is really easy and a great way to decorate your kitchen on a budget.  A decorative dish towel makes a wonderful gift and is easy to customize.  Try one with pom poms instead of rick rack or use an owl, bird or fruit template for the design.  You can even […]

Yesterday I tried to finish a few sewing projects.  But my sewing machine was acting up on me.  I really hope it’s alright and that it is something simple!  I think I need to run it into the sewing shop and have it checked out. I also had a long to-do list yesterday, and I […]

I am pretty much hair “challenged.”  If I could get away with a ponytail everyday for the rest of my life I would be happy. And then I was blessed with twin daughters… Since I am good at making things… I try to make up for my lack of coiffe-tiness with a little craftiness. Years […]

Now that Summer is over, the kids are back in school and the Wedding is over, I am looking to starting some new projects.  I would love to make an Autumn table runner and a new wreath for my front door (I love the wreath above from Martha Stewart.)  I better start thinking about Halloween […]

The wedding is just a few days away… and it’s starting to come together.  Today was spent with the girls working on all the last minute decorations and plans. The wheat grass and the flowers came in today…. My beautiful sister in law has been busy making wonderful name tags for the tables, table markers, […]

My kids started school last Thursday.  I started sewing school bags for them on Wednesday and optimistically thought I might be able to finish their bags that day.  But I didn’t.  It took me until Sunday to get them finished.  And it wasn’t because they were hard…  they weren’t.  In fact they were really fun […]

The next week is coming at me like a freight train.  I have two wedding showers this weekend (I am helping to throw one and just attending the other), a family birthday party, my darling niece’s Baptism, in charge of a Back to School Luncheon for 40 teachers and staff on Monday, Ben’s 9th Birthday […]

We spent today working on some wonderful wedding projects for Josh’s (my brother) and Jen’s upcoming wedding.  I am amazed at the wonderful projects you can create on a budget. Here are a few things we worked on today: Did you know you can age a terra cota pot with stain?  Sometimes a brand new […]

I spent today with my Mom, sister Brooke, and Marcie, my sister-in-law and and Jen, sister-in-law-to-be.  Can I just say I love those women. We were busy with plans and decorations for the upcoming wedding of Josh (my brother) and Jen. I am so excited about the creative “Make it Do” ideas we have for […]

It’s an old joke that children have more fun with the box their gift came in, than with the gift itself. I can vouch for that!  My children have always had a thing for cardboard boxes.  Apple boxes became cars when they were smaller… shoe boxes have been made into leprechaun traps… and they love […]

I received this wonderful bag as a gift from my Mom this past weekend.  She created it using upholstery fabrics she bought on sale at Hancock Fabrics and wool fabrics she has collected over many years.  She is always on the look out for good wool and even buys old army blankets and wonderful old […]

I have so much lavender in my garden, and I love finding ways to use it.  Making a lavender eye pillow is a perfect fast project… and they make a wonderful homemade gift for friends.  You’ll also want one or two for yourself of course. I harvest my lavender in the morning on a dry […]

I just ran across the most wonderful tutorial and it couldn’t have been more timely.  I have been using a Swiffer duster (a large package bought from Costco) but was at the end of my stash.  I didn’t want to buy another package because well, using disposable dusters just isn’t “Make it Do” or earth-friendly.  […]

Summer is wonderful for lots of things… but it is hard on my feet.  The hot dry weather, sandals, and going barefoot around the house and yard all lead to feet in seriously bad shape! A trip to the Spa for a pedicure isn’t exactly making it do.  So what’s a girl to do? I […]

My kitchen table is in need of some serious sprucing up for the 4th of July.  I went looking for ideas and, as I often do, ended up at Martha Stewart’s website. I wanted a project that wouldn’t cost a lot to make.  These firework pom poms were just what I was looking for. But […]

Lavender is one of my favorite “Make it Do” flowers… as useful as it is pretty.  This hardy, easy to grow herb that has been valued for centuries for it’s wonderful scent.  I grow mostly Munstead and Hidcote varieties of lavender in my garden.  And I love the Blue Cushion lavender I have planted in […]

I love gifts that are personal and homemade.  But making a gift for my husband is always a challenge for me.  Anything too cutsy is just not him.  Every once in a while I hit it just right… like the year I made him a reading/TV quilt.  He uses that a lot. This year I […]

If you live in Utah or near by and get the TV station ABC4, check out Good Things Utah today at 10:00 am.  I am giving away my flouncy little apron and ribbon flower pin from Give Away Today to an audience member.  On Friday I will be giving away a half apron at Give […]

Here is my weekend project.  When I saw that egg beater fabric I knew it needed to become an apron.  And the trim fabric was so fun, it reminded me of some kind of food… like donuts or eggs (do those remotely look the same?)  As I sewed this apron, I decided to give it […]

I love wearing an apron.  I put one on when I am cooking and forget to take it off.  They’re just so comfortable and convenient.  I always have a place to dry my hands or a handy pocket to put something into. (Is it just me or does everyone have a large collection of doo-dads […]

I thought with pretty good certainty that the last corsage I would ever pin on was at Senior Prom in High School. But I was wrong.  A few weeks ago I visited the Quilting Cottage in American Fork, Utah.  I love the Quilting Cottage, which is not only a quaint little store, but they have […]

Have you ever looked around at all the wonderful free patterns available?   When you are making it do, free is such a good thing.  Most of the free patterns available are quick and easy.  You can make a gift for a friend or even something nice for yourself. Here are a few free patterns or […]

While working in the yard on Saturday, I met with a rather sassy visitor… who told me I was invading her space!  It was a bold little hummingbird, who dive bombed me a few times, to let me know I was too near her lunch.  Had she known I was the one providing her sweet […]

Giving gifts on a budget can bring out the best in your creativity.  This year I have have been the hospitality chairperson for my local elementary school PTA.  The job included giving birthday gifts once a month to the staff and teachers.  Our budget was $100 for about 75 people.  But what thoughtful gift can […]

There is something so happy about bubbles and kids.  My kids can sit out on the lawn and blow bubbles forever.  And I must admit, I love to join them. Is it the challenge of blowing the biggest bubble?  Or the most?  Or is it the fascination of watching them float lightly away on the […]

Mother’s Day is next Sunday!  Have you decided what you are giving your Mother?  My Mom has everything she needs. What she really loves are gifts from the heart.  When you make a gift you not only can save money, you make it more meaningful.  If you are still undecided as to what to give […]

The weather is still not cooperating with our Spring Break Plans.  With all the snow, we are feeling sorry for the “poor little birds who are out in the cold!”  So today we made pine cone bird feeders and Summer Suet, just perfect for our feathered friends. Making pine cone bird feeders is a great […]

Just to get you in the mood for Easter, take a look at “Rabbits Prefer Chocolate.” Quilt designed by  http://bunnyhilldesigns.com Since it has been snowing and cold here I need something to help me think it’s Spring.  This week I will show you a quick and easy table runner for Easter and Spring (if you […]

I admit it, I am in love American Girl Dolls.  If they had been around when I was a kid, I would have been in seventh heaven.  Luckily for me, Lily and Emma love them too.  Kit Kittredge and Ruthie Smithens are American Girls from the 1930’s.  Their stories teach resourcefulness, determination, and hard work.  […]