15 March 2012

DIY Craft Kits

For Big Sister's birthday, I wanted to come up with something that would continue to nurture her creativity.


I had seen some cute kits in stores (which is great!), and thought I could make some of my own.  Some of the kits are based on free tutorials, others came from patterns that I purchased from crafty moms like myself.


I made a total of six kits.  Each was tucked into a zippered bag I had saved from when we purchased curtains last year for our former house.  (I knew they'd come in handy!)  Most of them had a small pocket, and I made labels to slip inside.

The first kit is based on an embroidery pattern I purchased from Sarah Jane.


I cut out fabric rectangles, just the size for the designs, and included all the floss colors Sis will need.  We just need to iron-transfer some designs, and she'll be off and running.


For several of these projects, Sis needed some of her own fabric.  I knew she'd love Riley Blake's Fly a Kite designs, and looked on Etsy for a good deal on a fat quarter pack.  I found Kerri at Sew Deerly Loved, and she was awesome.  I purchased the fabric, and then realized I'd need to get it quicker than anticipated.  She sped up her delivery, and the fabric arrived two days later.  I was so impressed with her kindness.

Two kits are based on Bit of Whimsy PDF sewing patterns.  Sarah happened to be having a sale when I needed it, and I purchased two patterns.  The Beth doll has glasses and braids...perfect!


I printed off the pattern, and made a 6" x 9" matching envelope to hold everything with a photo laminated to the front.  I love that clear laminating plastic!


Inside the kit I included flesh colored fabric, thread, and the items needed for hair.  I thought Sis would like choosing from her new little fabric stash to dress her doll.

Next kit includes items to make a sleeping bag for Sister's American Girls doll.  Melissa @ Polka Dot Chair created a great tutorial for Riley Blake's Design Blog.    I made a printable version and included all the notions in the package.


Final kit, I wanted something Sis could do completely on her own, unsupervised.  I saw this darling picture tutorial on Pinterest to make a clothespin doll.  I simply printed it on cardstock, laminated it, and then included all the goodies Sis will need.  This included craft paint, glue, and pre-cut circles of fabric.  I'd purchased the old fashioned clothespins a while pack from Etsy (yet another project I didn't get to!)


I hope that inspired you to come up with a kit for a special girl in your life.  I know Sis and I are going to have a lot of fun together working on these!

Sharing with Creation CornerFreckled Laundry, and Tatertots and Jello.

Featured by Freckled Laundry!  Thank you!

18 comments:

  1. That is the sweetest present! I hope she has so much fun with her awesome kits, and I hope I can remember to do awesome stuff like this for Sadie and Charlotte when they get older!

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  2. I'm so glad to hear I'm not the only one that keeps the curtain packages. And equally impressed to see you've put yours to good use. This is such a darling idea. They'd make great gifts for a craft night as well.

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  3. These are perfect, Chris! Great project choices. I love this idea so much.

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  4. Oh - what sweet little packages - I think I might have to put the clothespin doll package together for a certain little girl who turns eight in May!!

    You are such a fabulous Mom, Chris!! I don't know how you find time and build a house too!!

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  5. Amazing ideas! I love all of them! These would also be great to put together for summer- just have all the supplies on hand, with the instructions ready for rainy days or too hot to be outside days.
    xoxo

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  6. What a great gift, that is so thoughtful planning out each kit with the project idea and supplies. I have loved all of the projects your daughter has made that you have featured, I am sure she absolutely loves this. That sleeping bag is such a perfect project for a young sewist.

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  7. Whoa, this is seriously well thought out. Impressive! Honestly some of those would be great for say, me :) the doll sleeping bag, shut it! Kya would love that. Now I must find check out some of the links. Happy Friday!

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  8. What a great idea!

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  9. What a neat idea. You've inspired me to come up with a homemade kit for my almost niece for her next birthday. I love the way you've packaged your kits!

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  10. What a great gift idea for the creative child (and the creative mom)!

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  11. Hi! Visiting from tt&j. What a fun idea! I want one to play with ;)

    Im going to poke around your site a little more. I would love for you to share this at my Friday link party!

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  12. I'm your 969th follower-woohoo!! This is a thoughtful idea-I'm sure she'll love it! Stop by for a visit!

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  13. Oh, wow! I so love this idea! I may have to do something like this for my Little Crafter's birthday! Would you consider sharing here?

    http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2012/03/shine-on-fridays-19-and-some-fabulous.html

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  14. What a cute idea! I have a niece that would love some of these for her birthday.

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  15. Oh my gosh she is going to love those! What a thoughtful and useful gift you gave her, and it will for sure peak her creativity. Hope all is well with the building front.

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  16. So cute! I bet she loved them. I can't wait to see her finished projects:)

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How sweet of you to stop by. Kind words are always welcome.