Progressive Pioneer

The Friday Make and Do

These are intended to be party decorations, but don't you think it would be super fun to make a bunch of these dresses and water color and decorate them with your kids?

The Friday Make and Do

Happy Christmas Eve Eve!  I'm so excited for Christmas, having little kids makes it that much more magical.  Have you been enjoying the holiday season?  Eating delicious food?  Enjoy the twinkly lights?  Spending time with friends and family?  What a great time of year!  Here are a few fun ideas for the weekend, some last minute gifts, special things to do, and of course, yummy things to eat!

The Friday Make and Do

Are you feeling cozy and Christmas-y?  We're definitely feeling it here!  My parents got into town on Tuesday and are staying all the way through the new year.  It's been so fun for everyone, especially the kids, who now always have at least one adult willing to read to them, or stack blocks or listen attentively to whatever story they have to tell.  Here are a few fun things we may be trying this weekend!

Grain-free, sugar-free gingerbread men!

The Friday Make and Do

I'm so happy to be writing Make and Do posts again!  I'm pinning now (how did it take me so long?!) and have been finding SO many great things to share!

The Friday Make and Do

We've been doing lots of lacto-fermenting lately; I think these radishes sound so good!  I love a little something tangy and tart to go with dinner.

What a great inspiration list for incorporating the written word into kids' rooms (or anywhere!); you could totally do something like this yourself... We're going to Maine this summer; I totally want to try making my own sea salt!

A great tutorial for making an old school camping stool- this might make a cool Father's Day gift...

If you've been making your own cheese or yogurt, chances are good you have tons of whey lying around.  Here's a list of ways to use it (we love to make fruit smoothies with ours!  Such a great way to squeeze in even more nutrition.  I'm totally trying the lemonade recipe too!)

This trailer gets me pretty riled up.  Has anyone seen the whole movie?  I wish it were playing in UT somewhere...

Farmageddon - Movie Trailer from Kristin Canty on Vimeo.

Do you have a family tree displayed somewhere?  I love these ideas.
And this wall thingy is awesome.  Do you think I could squeeze some driftwood into my suitcase when we come back from Maine...? Have you seen the book and craft series on the Crafty Crow?  I love these peg dolls; my dad made a whole series of these for our Christmas tree when he and my mom were first married.
Lovely tutorial for making a sweet zippered pouch.

Have a wonderful weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

It's still Friday!  I can squeeze a Make and Do in, right?  It's been one of those days...  I was just reading Rachel's blog, sounds like she had a doozy of a day as well; maybe you did too?  Some sort of strange planetary alignment perhaps?  Anyhoo, on with the wonderful things for us all to make and do this weekend, because I'm sure it's going to be one of those weekends, the good kind!

How about making your own baking powder?  You could call yourself a hardcore DIY-er then for sure!

I think I'm going to try this recipe for a natural, all-purpose cleaner. Some great ideas for non-toxic week elimination (speaking of which, anyone have any ideas for getting rid of snails and aphids?  I've been hosing the aphids off the plants, maybe we should get some ladybugs?  And the snails I've just been silently cursing, but haven't known what to do with them.) Have you tried making ghee?  We've been making it lately and really love it. After all our hard work in the garden and cleaning and making stuff from scratch, I think we should all relax with this delicious-looking ginger and lime mocktail- yum! This strawberry-basil sorbet is looking mighty delicious.  Of course, I'd have to swap the sugar out for honey for us; do you think it would still come out right?  I once made a peach and sage ice cream that was pretty fantastic; I love herbs with fruit. This rhubarb clafouti is totally GAPS-legal and I'm so making it after a trip to the (first of the season!) farmers' market this Saturday.  Rhubarb is my favorite! Hope your weekend is relaxing, but that you still get a few things checked off your to-do list, that it's full of sweet treats and farm-fresh springtime veggies, and scattered with quiet moments and visits with good friends- all of the things a perfect weekend should be filled with.

The Friday Make and Do

This chandelier is amazing!  Follow the link for super-easy DIY instructions. My dad always made us paper hats when I was a kid; to this day it's still one of those mysterious skills that I've never mastered.  Good thing Clay knows how:) Make your own striped shirt!

I love this list of summer activities; I think it needs to be stuck to our fridge. This is such a neat project (and it involves a power drill!); I can think of a dozen uses for this! Have you seen Poppytalk's affordable art series?  I love it and it makes me want to fill my walls with beautiful art!!

I picked up a bunch of paper lanterns on our last trip to San Francisco; I love them!  Don't these paper mache lanterns look like they would make an outdoor party so festive?

So many fun ideas for your favorite fairy afficionado. How about reupholstering your chair with duct tape? Have a happy weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

I've been hoping for a summer weekend, but I'm afraid we're due for more clouds and rain (the garden should be happy though!).  Maybe some of these summery projects will convince the sun to show its face.  How could it not shine on this cheerful sandbox?!Homemade bubbles?  Yes please!

We have tons of frozen berries; I'm totally trying this!

I bet it wouldn't be too hard to make up a whole set of these...

This idea for shadow puppets is so clever; I'm tucking the idea away for winter nights by the fire.

Hope your weekend is wonderful, rain or shine!

The Friday Make and Do

Love this hoodie; Sam's crazy about dinos right now and this would make his week:)
I love healthy conveniences; saving time, eating well, what could be better? My mom was just asking me for an apron to use this afternoon (mine is out of commission with a torn tie; things seem to linger in the mending basket around here...).  I wish I had half a dozen of these hanging in my kitchen! 
This is such a thoughtful idea for an end-of-year teacher gift. Sam would love this project! Get your daily dose of weeds! Here's a fun page you can print for quick reference with 10 easy after-school art projects.
Have a wonderful weekend!  We're kind of coming out of the dark place (the cleansing phase) of beginning this GAPS diet; I'm hoping for some renewed energy and sunny days this weekend:)

The Friday Make and Do

Make a puzzle-filled pinata (the idea for the filling came from a reader- thanks!); you can watch Sam and I showing you how on Barilla's Piccolini TV.
Guerrilla gardening!  I love this idea. Remember the big spider web Sam made?  Here's an outdoor, garden version (via Crafty Crow).

I kind of want a pair of these for myself!

This reminds me of the blanket I made for Viv, only even easier- my kind of project:) This looks like a great recipe for egg paint- only three ingredients! (via CC) Hope your weekend is filled with good, simple things, lots of sunshine and bright colors!  See you next week!

The Friday Make and Do

First things first, some important news, I'm now on Twitter.  Hello 21st century, nice to meet you.  I know, what was I waiting for?  Beats me.  Anyway, you can follow me there in 140 letters or less.

Meanwhile, hello popsicle season!  These orange creamsicles are making my mouth water...
I love tiny sandwiches.  These would be perfect for a Mother's Day picnic...
Try this deodorant recipe; it looks really good, similar to the ingredient list on my FAVORITE deodorant (I had to use all caps because I love it that much.  LOVE!)

I think I must be hungry because I can't stop thinking about food, particularly these.  And I might need one of these to get the job done.
DIY play silks!
Make this great bird mobile.
Sometimes I just love a little sparkle.

Sweet, handmade baby present.
And this is just rad.  A little food for thought for the weekend.
Have a great weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

This soap looks yummy (and like a nice gift for Mom...)
How cute are these rock fish?  They would make a great mobile (just make sure they're on tight!).

I remember making linoleum block prints in high school and loving it.  Here's a great video tutorial that shows you how.

Love biscotti and LOVE cardamon.  These look fantastic!
I've really been wanting to sew some dresses for myself (I just can't seem to find the right thing in stores anywhere...).  Here's a great tutorial.  I've also been looking for vintage patterns from the 60s and 70s; I'll keep you posted... :)
Have a fun weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

I made these brownies last weekend and they are SO good!
And as long as we're talking sugar, I would totally make these peeps s'mores, you know, if I was in one of those moods.
Coolest tutorial for making your own fruit and vegetable-based paints (perfect for Easter eggs if you want to eat them later).  (Also, click here and then on "Easter.")

Really pretty (and easy) batik-looking Easter eggs.
Make this rad and super easy chevron tee.
Egg shaped sidewalk chalk to tuck into baskets.
I am CRAZY about these surprise carrots!  Crazy, I tell you- I want a whole bushel full.
What a fabulous party idea (and from a fabulous gal; Rebecca is a friend from back when Clay and I lived in SF).
Homemade silly putty carrot!
Look at this charming picnic set made from some old luggage.  Doesn't it make you so in the mood for summer?
I love this sweet idea; so simple, but such a nice touch.  (via A Cup of Jo)
Have a wonderful weekend and a happy Easter!

PS One more thing, just saw these beautiful (and free!) Easter paper dolls from Sarah Jane Studios.  You can download them on her site.

The Friday Make and Do

I love bean burgers.  I used to go on a girls' camping trip each summer in Maine and we would always make bean burgers (and foil dinners and go skinny dipping!).  These look delish.
Wouldn't it be sweet for your kid to wake up to this hanging over their bed each morning?
We're not big into candy for the holidays, but how fun would these peeps be in an Easter basket? (via Poppytalk)

Create your own plant-based dyes.  This project is for cloth to make a table runner, but I'm thinking it would work just as well on Easter eggs...
A fun and pretty science experiment.
And another, more delicious use for flowers.
This is how we did our Easter eggs a couple years ago.

How about a brioche bunny in the Easter basket?  Peter Reinhart has a great recipe for a 100% brioche; you could use that recipe and then just shape it like a bunny.
Check out these clever little doodads from Mayamade.
Have you seen the Monster Party that One Charming Party has been featuring this month?  So fun!
Here's a sweet game to tuck into an Easter basket.
This isn't really anything to make or do, it's just super rad.
And I would really love to see some of these in my mailbox...  Okay, that one wasn't really a make and do either.  But seriously?  Yum.
I'll leave you with these classy Easter bunnies.

Have a wonderful weekend!  We'll be celebrating Sam's third trip around the sun with carrot cake, a family party and a few goodies.  We do the "something to wear, something to play with, and something to read" thing, so he's getting a book, a 3D dinosaur puzzle and.... drum roll please.... a karate outfit and karate lessons!  I think I'm more excited about the outfit than the lessons; it's going to be so cute:)  See you Monday!

The Friday Make and Do

We're making these for Easter and I'm so excited! Make yourself some healthy soda. Plant a string garden. Or perhaps just a beautiful arrangement of hanging vases. Love these felt alternatives to plastic Easter eggs as a place to hide goodies. Homemade playdough in pretty spring colors.

If you've ever wanted a crown for your kiddo, here are a bunch of great tutorials (and places to buy too).

This oatmeal cake is sounding so good to me right now.  (I think I'd halve the sugar, maybe use honey instead, and whole wheat...).  If I had a magic nose I could twitch and make things appear, this cake would be on my desk right now.

I could totally see these jar lights over the table Clay made.  (via poppytalk) This beautiful herbed butter looks so fresh and springlike.  The satisfaction of making your own butter, but even easier! Another Easter project just might have to be this paint chip garland; so bright and cheery (and easy!). I just have to mention this terrarium-making party.  I love parties where you actually do something and this looks like such a blast! Has anyone heard of flower clocks?  Totally new to me and I am in love with the idea.  What a fantastic project this would be to do with kids.

Spring scavenger hunt, fun!! Phew!  That was one long Make and Do post!  I couldn't help it; there are just so many fantastic ideas floating around out there.  I hope you get a chance to make or do at least one fabulous thing this weekend!  I'm not sure which we'll pick, but I definitely see quite a few of these projects in our future...

Have a fantastic weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

If you're in the mood to make something snugly, these little swaddle softies look like just the thing.  And here's a wonderful collection of easy-to-make, springtime dolls.

Do you ever get the itch to totally rearrange all the furniture in your house?  Yeah, me too.  Try this, and skip the heavy lifting.
These curtains are so cheerful, and what a fun way to help your kids personalize their space.
LOVE this simple art project that has such a bold, modern end result. 
Sew something for yourself!

Have a fun weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

Sprng is here, perhaps you'd like to celebrate; these little guys are just the ticket.
This is the loveliest idea for a spring knitting party. 
In case you need a creative boost; here are about a million and one fantastic ideas for sewing projects for boys. (Then you can use this tutorial to create your own clothing labels.)
Take advantage of this balmy, windy spring weather and make and fly some handmade kites! (via the Crafty Crow)

Start getting excited for Easter!  Have you planted your Easter grass yet?  I love this idea for decorating eggs.
Have a beautiful weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

Viv has outgrown her pixie hat, but I loved it on her so much that I've been thinking of knitting a new one.  This one looks much faster and just as cute. 
Have you got your seeds started yet?  Clay started ours earlier this week; I'll show you soon!  Here's a really fun tutorial for starting a windowsill garden any time of the year. Also, try this tutorial for easy gardening gloves.  I can never find ones that fit me right, not to mention Sam's hands, handmade seems to be the solution. (both via the Crafty Crow)
Maya Made has some great ideas for making books (maybe a handmade book would get me back into the journal-writing habit...).  Speaking of creating your own books, I stumbled across these little gems (via the Sleepytime Gal), which inspired an Amazon search, and now I can't stop thinking of all the wonderful things I could do with them...

I am so in love with this newspaper article poster.  Bonus: she made it for like, three bucks!
Hope your weekend is full of good things!

The Friday Make and Do

When Sam saw these masks, he said, "Hey, those are flower angels!"  Love that.  (More mask ideas here.) 
If you can still find any dried milkweed pods, you could make these sweet seed pod babies. 
Here's a great tutorial for what look like the world's easiest reusable snack bags.
I love these little dude hats.

And here's a great freezer paper stencil tutorial from the same new-to-me blog. 
I can't remember if I mentioned this fun idea for a simple seesaw already.  Our minds are definitely on outdoor activities these days...

Hope your weekend is sunny and lovely!

The Friday Make and Do

Here's a good kitchen project for this time of year; before long we'll be spending every daylight hour outside.
I would totally play with these paper dolls myself.
Or, maybe your kiddos require a more manly doll.  How about these pirate apple dolls?  Arrrgh! (via the Crafty Crow)
Make a hobby horse.
I know we're already three months into the year, but in case you feel like a change of wall scenery, I love this idea for a customized calendar.
Here's a really simple way to help your toddler create some wall-worthy, modern-esque art.
Try this tutorial for an easy-peasy superhero cape.
Have a great weekend!

The Friday Make and Do

Here's a great tutorial on how to turn an old adult sweater into a cute little person sweater.  This is my favorite kind of project.
And if you're a crocheter, I think you pretty much have to make this hat, no question about it.  (Another great find via Made.)
I know I recently posted a link to a puppet tutorial, but these are so great they just couldn't go unmentioned. 
Ever wanted to try curing your own olives?  Maybe you should...
This vegan cream of mushroom soup looks pretty tasty and I've had good luck with cashew-based creamy things in the past.  I think I might give it a try.
Hope your weekend is full of tasty eats, leisurely conversations and plenty of time with loved ones!

The Friday Make and Do

Throw a party, just so you can make these party hats. 
Make some adorable sock puppets (via the Crafty Crow).
Make your own super-good-looking birthday candles (yet another reason to throw that party!) (via Babble)

Create something pretty for the walls. 
Try making your own pattern.  Then you can make a dozen pairs of pants exactly like that perfect pair your kiddo loves so much!

Make this and tell me how it is; I've been having dreams about it...
Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy Valentine's Day!

I'm so glad we did Valentine's cards this year.  It was way more low-stress than Christmas cards, there's so much else going on that time of year anyway.  It's nice to get festive and send a little love out to friends and family when the world (at least our corner of it) is still relatively dark and chilly.  

Here's how we made our cards.  I gathered up supplies (a large sheet from the second-hand store, some batting for the cloud I had on hand from another project, a pair of wings and little hearts from the party store, a stick from the backyard and some twine to make the bow and arrow, and Sam's cutest red clothes).  I took the kids' pictures in shifts; it was hard enough getting one of them to look the right way at the right time.  Getting both of them doing what they were supposed to do at the same time would've been far outside my skill range. 

The other crucial element in this undertaking is a photoshop savvy husband.  Clay was able to put Sam and Vivian's pictures together, add some good looking text and create this pretty, striped back for the card. 
Once we had the image the way we liked it we sent the file off to NextDayFlyers and they even came back a day earlier than expected!  I was able to get most off them addressed in one day, though I was still cutting it pretty close to getting them out on time, which meant I couldn't write as long of a note on each card.  In a perfect world, I would've had these printed and on my doorstep two weeks before Valentine's day, so I could have taken my time, writing a personal, thoughtful note on each one (there's always next year!).  We did include a link to the family letter though and I think I prefer that to printing out a bazillion copies. 
How about you?  Did you make any fun valentines this year?  I'm excited for the day Sam and Viv are old enough and interested in sending out cards of their own too:)

The Friday Make and Do

Well, I got our valentines all addressed and stamped and out the door- phew!  I always forget what an undertaking large mailings like that are.  But, I'm glad we did it; I love sending cards.  And if you wanted me to send you one, but felt too shy or weird emailing, please don't!  NextDayFlyers printed them for free for us (thanks, guys!) and we have way more than we needed, so I'd much rather send one to you than to the recycling:)

This weekend I think we'll be trying these whole wheat chocolate sugar cookies.  We have some normal-sized heart cookie cutters, but then I got some little tiny ones that I can't wait to use too.

I have a thing for sewn paper and would totally make these (if I hadn't just had myself a card-addressing party...).  I'm also kind of grooving on these little heart pillows. 

Have you seen the Google Art Project?  Pretty amazing; take yourself on a little tour.
Hope your weekend is lovely!

The Friday Make and Do

I'm kind of a smoothie gal; when I'm really in a good groove we have them every day.  This kind of makes me want to try a new combination every day for the next month!

Know any babies or mamas-to-be?  This little guy would make the sweetest gift.
The Minimalist put out a list of his very favorite recipes, which means I'll be quite busy in the kitchen this next little while...

I love Bias tape, but when you buy it in those packages it can add up.  So, I got one of those little bias tape makers, but haven't yet used it.  Now I have no excuse because Dana has created this lovely and very thorough tutorial. 
If it's still bone-chillingly cold in your neck of the woods (we tried to go for a walk today and got all of two blocks from home) maybe this weekend is the perfect time to get into a new show.  We just watched all four episodes of the BBC miniseries Wives and Daughters and loved it!  I just want to be that main character; she is so perfectly sweet and lovely....
And maybe a warm mug of this delicious looking middle eastern drink while you watch your show, yum!
Hope your weekend's cozy and lovely!