DIY - Bow Makers

Last night I helped host a Bow Making Shower for a friend from my church, the  Osceola Church of Christ , who is having a baby girl in August.  Jess set up a lovely table setting and provided food and decorations with some help from the ladies from church.  A fun time was had by all.  We had a lovely time fellowshipping and crafting last night.    

 

After eating and opening presents, it was time to get crafting and making some bows.  

So after getting all my bow supplies ( a HUGE supply)  which I bought last year to make bows, I decided that since I had all the stuff, I should get busy making more bows to sell online on my Etsy website:  B~Wear Designs

, at Crafts Shows and local Farmers' Markets.  So, as I laid in bed last night and looking through Pinterest, I saw all these DIY bow makers and such.  As with most things, I think I can do that or at least I can get my husband to do that.  Anyway, I knew that we had left over scraps and dowel rods in the shop so I decided the next day, TODAY I would attempt to make it on my own.  It seemed pretty simple enough I would save money and who isn't up for saving money and attempt to make it myself.  Below is the results that I accomplished.  I decided to make two different ones.   I made wooden bow maker and then my version of the bowdabra.  I have yet to make bows but, will plan on posting pics when I can.  

The Wooden Bow Maker: 

Here is what I did to make this bow maker, you can find instructions on the internet on how to make this type.  I did change a few things though.  I thought I would add some pegs to hold the middle ribbon that you tie around the bow.  As  you can see I drilled holes in the wrong places, but since this is for me, I don't care if there is an error, a minor one but it is there.  These things happen especially when it was done on the spur of the moment.  

So, I found the center of the spare 2 x/4 piece of wood that was left over from when my husband made the Giant Jenga game for me.   Then I marked 1 inch on each side of the center and then followed by making 1/2 inch marks up to 4 inches.  After drilling the holes (not all the way through the piece of wood, I had to guess how deep I should go), I used a 5/16 dowel rod that I had a sawed in several pieces and then sanded.   Then placed them in their holding spots.  Make sure when drilling you make holes big enough yet tight so that you can move/remove the dowel rods.  

 

  

The Dowel Rod Bowdabra: 

While I was at it in the shop and had extra pieces, I thought I would make a version of the bowdabra.  

I didn't feel like taking the time in using solid wood pieces and such so, I decide to use several pieces of dowel rod, not sure if this version will work, but I don't think it hurts to try.   I see tutorials on using this and I wanted to give it a try. I hope that these two bow makers will make bowmaking easier.  

To make this version, I basically followed somewhat the instructions on making the Wooden Bow Maker.  

I found the center of the block then, made lines for 1 inch from the middle on the top and bottom.  Then I marked 1/2 marks from the center of those lines 3 times.  I drilled holes and sawed 12 four inch long pieces of 5/16 inch dowel rods and sanded them a place them in the holes. 

I have to say that I am pretty proud of myself.  Of course, a while back my husband had to show me how to use the drill press when I started making my clothespin dolls which is for another post.  But, with just a little know how, I was able to make these two bow makers.  

Minnie Mouse Inspired Pom Pom Hat

My latest creation: Minnie Mouse Inspired Pom Pom Hat. This was inspired by a picture I saw on Pinterest that I saw and wanted to crochet and add something to it.  I decided on making this hat similar to the crochet Minnie Mouse hat that I have seen on the internet via Pintrest & Etsy.   I wanted to do something different that would hopefully make my designs stand out to other who would be interested in this hat or other hats.  Eventually I will make an actually Minnie & Mickey Mouse Inspired hats but, until then I will enjoy making this cute pom pom hat for friends, family and customers.  

I an hoping to get the pattern written to make available to purchase.  I currently have one hat available (already made - not custom made to order). This hat is size 6-12 Months. If interested in purchasing this hat, please feel free to contact me or click on link to purchase via my etsy website @ B~Wear Designs.   

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First Crochet Slipper/Shoe

I have been wanting for some time to attempt to make crochet shoes.  For some reason, it has been daunting to me and I have been somewhat afraid of trying to crochet shoes, slippers and boots.   I've looked online and even bought several patterns.  Over the past few days, I have been really wanting to do this, so no time like today to attempt my first crochet slipper/shoes.  My kids are on Spring Break and left today for a few days with mother, her husband and I am sure having the time of their lives since I haven't heard from them yet.  Hopefully, they made it there safely.  It's been a quiet day and I've been able to work on a pattern I recently bought over the internet of Etsy.  I only made one today but, I thought I would share with you guys what I have made so far and my progress when the shoes are complete.  I am wanting to wear these outdoors so I will be attempting some things I learned through some patterns I bought as well as adding liners to the inside.  I hoping they turn out okay. Regardless, I will still post the the steps along the way and the finished product.  I purchased the the Lola Slippers Pattern from Mamachee Patterns by Tara Murray.  She's got cute patterns for those who like to crochet.  

Here are pictures of my first crochet slipper/shoes ~~~~~>  I don't think it is perfect but, not too shabby for the first time crocheting slippers.  

Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Yesterday was the beginning of my kids Spring Break.  Since they got out early, they had two friends ride the bus home with them to have a play date.  My son was so busy they he didn't get his usual "quality" time with his mommy.  After dinner, my daughter was laying with me and my little boy was not happy about it, so I told him I would put him to bed and read him a story, that pleased him.  So, as I was getting ready to leave, I asked him if we should make cookies tomorrow.  He said yes.  I asked if chocolate chip cookies would be okay and he said yes.  Then he also wanted me to make peanut butter cookies as well.  He said I've done it before and that was for  parties and other events.  So, today I decide to compromise and make jumbo cookies from a recipe that I found searching the internet that I wanted to try by the Brown Eyed Baker.


Here is her recipe:    
Peanut Butter-Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies
INGREDIENTS:
1 cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 stick (½ cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
½ cup creamy peanut butter
½ cup granulated sugar
1/3 cup light brown sugar
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 egg
½ cup rolled oats
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS:

1 teaspoon baking soda

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside.

2. Whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside.

3. On medium speed, cream together the butter, peanut butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract, about 3 minutes. Add the egg and beat to combine. On low speed, gradually add the flour until just combined. Stir in the oats, and then the chocolate chips.

4. Use a large cookie scoop (3 tablespoons) and drop dough onto prepared baking sheets about 2 inches apart. Bake for 10 minutes, or until the cookies are lightly golden. Cool completely on the baking sheet and then store in an airtight container at room temperature.

Her recipe says to try using her Thick and Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies shaping technique.  I used my ice cream scoop to make these jumbo cookies.   Mine didn't turn out like hers and I tried doing the shaping technique and just scooping them on the sheet and flattened the a bit.  Both turned out big and taste the same.  My daughter came in as they were cooling on the cookie rack and said "Wow those are really big cookies".  I have to agree with her and I enjoyed one for a snack this afternoon with a nice glass of milk.  

B~Wear Designs News Creations - Patterns

Recently, I have been attempting to write my patterns do in order to sell them to the public.  Currrently I have two patterns for sale and in the process of writing more.  I currently make unique hats for children of all ages and adults.  I am expanding this year and adding more to my line such as cowls and scarves.

The two patterns I have written for sale  are  The Jake & The Neverland Pirates Iinspired Hat and Diseny's the Little Mermaid Inspired Ariel Hat.  

The Jake & the Neverland Pirates Inspired hat was made for a little boy from our church to give as a gift for his birthday this year.  He is a big fan this Disney Channel's cartoon.   I wasn't sure what to get him and I like to give hand crafted presents whenever possible.  Plus something that is different and original.  I decided to write the pattern down as I was making the hat for him and thought that I would attempt to share and sell with others since this seems to be a popular with the little kids.  

The Ariel hat was one of my first creations to make on my own.  I started of selling them on my B~Wear Designs Etsy shop.  I had several requests for patterns and decided that I should probably write the pattern down and add it to my shop.  

As it does take time to make and write the patterns as I go, I will be posting/adding them to my shop as they are finished.  Here is are links to these patterns:  Jake Pattern & Ariel Pattern.  I also thought I would try other avenues to reach others to purchase my patterns and Ravelry is a great site to find patterns to purchase as well as free patterns.  I am now a new designer on the website:  http://www.ravelry.com/designers/bwear-designs.  

I am currently working on an Anna Hat inpsired by Disney's Frozen for a customer and writing the pattern down as well.  Will have an update when this pattern is available.  However this hat can be found on my Etsy site:  Frozen's Inspired Anna Hat

Disney's Frozen Inspired Elsa Hat

This past weekend we took our children on Valentine's Day to see Frozen.  As a result of seeing the movie with the slight nudge of my daughter's request.  I made a Elsa Inspired Hat.  My son would also like for me to make an Olaf hat and we shall see what happens in the near future.  Stay tuned to my blog as I would like to make some changes to the hat and there will be another version and I have plans for an Anna Inspired Hat.  If you are interested check out my Etsy site: B~Wear Designs

B~Wear Designs: Frozen's Elsa Inspired Hat