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 Corner, Freckled Laundry, and Tatertots and Jello.

Featured by Freckled Laundry!  Thank you!