do it yourself » Frugal and Fun Mom/ Mom Blog, Reviews, Giveaways, Family Fun

DIY Nursing Covers! Make One In Less Than 10 Minutes, and Use What You Already Have!

Aug 102012

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I thought I would share since this is really simple and easy to do, plus they have come in real handy. I figured I probably saved myself $60 so far.

I have never been fortunate enough to be able to breastfeed any of my kids, until recently with baby #3. Since I anticipated that I would probably not be able to do it, I was reluctant to go out and buy any breastfeeding related items.

However, I am home bound at the moment, so I decided that I needed to make myself some nursing covers since I would have friends and family coming over. Plus, little babies want to nurse rather frequently, so I would put these to good use versus having a blanket that falls down all the time.

I found some left over ribbon and 2 old receiving blankets (one was my oldest son’s, and the other my daughter’s) to use for this project.

First, I measured from one shoulder to the next (mine) , and then divided that number in half. I cut that much ribbon.

I then took a needle and some thread and sewed the ribbon by hand onto two ends of the blanket which were closest to each other.

The end of the ribbon and the stitches were turned to the inside of the fabric so once it was on it would look seamless.

Here is what the end result was for these two nursing covers, and all I have to do is pull the loop over my head. I am already using them all the time.

If you decide to make these yourself as well, make sure when you nurse that you allow for an opening at your baby’s face. This way he or she can breath and get proper ventilation under the nursing cover. I have been opening the very top closest to my neck in order to achieve this, and checking my little guy off and on to make sure he is comfortable.

FFM

My 4 Chairs Got a Quick Makeover with Fabric And I Only Spent $9.00! DIY Frugal Living Idea!

Jul 222012

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I have a set of 4 chairs that are family heirlooms which were handed down to me by my Mom 10 or so years ago. These were the same chairs that we used at our dining room table when I was a little girl.

Every so often, my Mom would remove the covers on the seats and with a staple gun replace the fabric to give it an updated look or to match a new piece of furniture or decorating she was currently into. I have continued this tradition, and every couple of years, I get new fabric to go on the chairs.

Well in the past few weeks, I went to Joann Fabrics and picked up enough material to cover all four chairs for around $9.00. They happened to have some really pretty striped material at a great price, and were running a coupon for 50% off.

For some reason, I thought it would cost much more than this, but to recover 4 chairs for only $9.00 was a great deal!

So my Mom came over yesterday and brought a staple gun to help me recover the chairs (actually she did all the work since I am about to have this baby any moment).

My Mom did a great job and I think the colors look great in my home. Now, I just need to have this baby, so I can start working on some other home improvement projects. :)

The before

The after

You would be surprised how many dining room chairs you can do this to for a quick updated and refreshed look.

Have you done this before? I would love to hear about your own projects as well.

FYI, if you are looking for fabric, make sure you grab an ad when you head into the store or check out the online coupons like these at Joann’s Fabric Coupons before you make your purchase. Why not take advantage of a discount!

FFM

Do It Yourself Spa Night! A Frugal and Fun Activity!

Jun 272012

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Since the baby will be here soon, I figure if any pampering is going to be done, it better be done now.

I said to the kids, why don’t we have a spa night? Of course, they thought it was a neat idea and were totally on board. Dad decided to pass on this one.

I happen to have a Dr. Scholl’s Foot Spa similar to this–> Dr. Scholl’s Foot Bath Plus with Acupressure Massage Center that I received a few years back as a gift, so I got that out, white towels, foot pampering stuff, lit a candle, and I set up a station for us to relax.

Each one of use took a turn soaking our feet in the warm water. I scrubbed the kiddos feet, and they played in the water and used the scrubbers on their feet as well. They both wanted to work on my feet, and so I let them take turns. Of course, I had to do the real work when they were finished. Afterward, my daughter and I painted our toe nails.

This was such fun activity, and definitely cheaper to do at home versus going to a salon.

Have you done anything similar to this at your own home before? If so, was there anything special you would recommend for the next time?

FFM

Make Your Own Easter Wreath In A Day! This Is A No Glue Project!

Mar 252012

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Thanks to a FREE Easter ebook I downloaded, CLICK HERE–> Free Easter ebook Details, I got the inspiration to make my own Easter Wreath. As usual with most things I do in life, I get an idea from seeing something, but I then turn around and alter it, sometimes a little, but in this case more like a lot.

So to get this project started, I first went to Michael’s and picked up a 12 inch wreath form, 2 packages of Lion Brand Yarn Fun Fur in Pink (I had to make a second trip for package number 2), and a package of 18 Small Egg Ornaments. Of course I used a Michaels coupon and some of the items were on sale. I also found a piece of pink ribbon I had, and would use that as the hanger for the wreath. The final cost was around $15.00, which is a lot cheaper than buying a finished product in most cases.

To start making the wreath, I first stapled the egg ornaments all around the wreath form.

Here they are all stapled.

I then began to wrap the Fun Fur. There are two ways that you can do this, either cut strips and then tie them as you go around that way you don’t have the large package of yarn that you will have to keep wrapping.

Or you can keep the package in tact and just keep wrapping it around. Either way you need to wrap the Fun Fur close together so the green of the form does not show through. In addition, you will wrap the Fun Fur around the staples, that way you don’t see them, and the ornaments stay in place. You can either wrap the ornaments so that they hang, or lay the ornament’s string flat across the top of the wreath and wrap the Fun Fur over it until the ornament is flush with the top. I did a little of both.

To finish, I tied the end of the ribbon and looped and pulled through at the top to make a hanger. I then hung it up.

So here is what you need to Make Your Own Easter Wreath:

1- 12 inch wreath form

2 packages of Lion Brand Yarn Fun Fur in Pink

1 package of Egg Ornaments

1 Ribbon

Scissors

Stapler

And, about 2 hours of your time for wrapping.

I am not the most crafty person, but I think I am turning over a new leaf. This was extremely rewarding to make. I hope you enjoy making this just as much as I did! Have fun!

At Home Moma