Guest: Maryam from Pamplemousse 1983

Hi, I'm Maryam and I blog over at Pamplemousse1983. Fall is my favorite season, especially since I moved to Texas. We don't get much in the way of leaves changing color but the weather does finally start to cool off and we can start wearing more than a pair of shorts and flip flops. Now since the leaves don't really change here I decided to make my interpretation of a fall(ing) leaf headband in the pretty colors of fall leaves.

What you'll need is...

• Some type of trim in a fall-y color. I picked orange pom pom trim but you could use a strip of fabric, leather or faux leather if you wish.
• Leather (or faux leather) cord
• Fabric in coordinating fall colors. You don't need much, I used little bits of scrap, you could also pick up a couple of those quarters from Jo-Ann's or your neighborhood fabric store.
• Fabric glue
• Wood beads (optional)

First things first: measure your trim! I didn't measure with a measuring tape, I just stuck the trim around my head. You can use a tape if you feel like you need to be more precise. It doesn't have to be the exact circumference of your head since this is a tie headband but it should be the same size or smaller. If it's larger it looks a bit funny when you tie it.

Next, cut 6 pieces of the leather cord. Two long, two medium and two short. I'll leave it to you to decide how long you want them to be but keep in mind they will be the ties to your headband so keep the shortest cord at least a foot in length. Any shorter and it starts to look funny.

Sew one long, one medium and one short cord to each side of your trim. Make sure you sew the cord on the wrong side of the trim but if you make a mistake and accidently sew it to the right side it's not THAT big of a deal since we're going to cover the sewing anyway.

Once the cord is attached take two little strips of one of your fabrics (about half an inch wide and twice as long as your trim is wide). You will use a bit of fabric glue to glue it around where you've sewed the cord to the trim. This is just to cover up the thread and keep the end of the trim nice and neat.

To make your leaves, fold your fabrics in half and cut out several rectangles, at least 3 inches by 5 inches. There should be two pieces of fabric cut out for each leaf. Make sure you have them wrong side to wrong side and slide the leather cords on which you want each leaf in between the two pieces. Flatten it down a bit so you can see when the cord is and make sure it's straight.

Sew a zig zag stitch along the length of the cord to keep it in place and make the middle of your leaf. Once you've stitched to the end switch to a straight stitch and "draw" your feather. If you feel uncomfortable free-sewing the leaf you can use a disappearing ink pen to draw it beforehand. Then just stitch over your drawing!

Once you're done stitching, cut out your leaf. Repeat until you're done with your leaves.

If you want to use a few wooden beads you can add them to the cords you didn't put leaves on.

And there you have it! An adorable, unique fall headband!

DIY: Leaf Placemat Turned Pillow

If you've gone back through my DIY projects or you've been following along for a while, then you know I've turned a placemat into a pillow before. You can see that post here, if you're interested. I decided to do this project again with the Better Homes and Garden leaf place mats from Walmart. They are $3 each and come in all different fall colors. It only took me about 30 minutes to make 2 for my couch.

Here's what you need:

-place mat
-poly-fil stuffing

-needle and thread

Step 1: using a seam ripper, open the bottom of the placemat.

Step 2: stuff the inside of the place mat with poly-fil.

Step 3: hand stitch the bottom back together.

Viola! This is an easy project for anyone to do in less than an hour and doesn't require a sewing machine.

33 Weeks

I can't believe we only have 7 weeks left until baby Noah will be here. Time was going by so slow before, but now I feel as though it's speeding up a little. I went to the doctor on Monday and so far I've gained 22 lbs. total. Also, baby is head down and ready for his debut. Everyone has been so nice in telling me that I look adorable and that I don't even look pregnant until they see my belly. Thanks, please keep telling me that after the baby comes and I'll love you forever!

Baby's now the size of a honeydew!
"Baby’s senses are continuing to improve -- when light peeks in through your (extremely) stretched belly, those tiny eyelids and irises blink and dilate. And, baby can now recognize and react to simple songs… time to start practicing your lullabies! Growth (at least inside your womb) is starting to slow, and you may notice baby descend into your pelvis at the end of this month." -thebump.com

cinnamon spice cake

I have tried to make a pumpkin spice cake in the past and it just didn't turn out. So this year, I decided to try something on my own and not even use a recipe. So, here is my version of cinnamon spice cake, that I am sure someone else has already done.

Ingredients:

-1 box spice cake mix + ingredients called for (milk, water, eggs, oil)
-1 tsp pure vanilla extract

-approx. 1 cup ground cinnamon

-1 can cream cheese icing

Directions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 325* for dark coated pans, 350* for glass pans. While oven is preheating, coat cake pan with cooking spray or shortening. (I used Pam baking spray)

Step 2: Combine cake mix, 3 large eggs, 1 2/3 cup water, 2/3 cup vegetable oil, 1 tsp pure vanilla extract, and approx. 1 cup ground cinnamon or several shakes until batter is completely covered in cinnamon.

Step 3: Mix (on low setting) for 30 seconds or until large lumps are gone.

Step 4: Pour batter into cake pan and spread evenly.

Step 5: Bake for approx. 30-35 minutes (ovens vary).

Step 6: Allow to cool completely and then frost with cream cheese icing (store bought or homemade).

And there you have it, a quick and simple cinnamon spice cake, perfect for fall! Goes great with hot apple cider!

Over the Weekend, Briefly

Another autumn goal can be marked off my list...this weekend we had s'mores and hotdogs around a campfire with our youth group. What did you do over the weekend?

Wishlist For Baby

1. bandit the raccoon and berlioz the bear from blabla

2. stacking tree by Plan Toys

3. Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Eric Carl

4. Boon grass countertop drying rack

5. wooden camera teething toy from little sapling toys

6. Skip Hop treetop friends ball trio

7. 3 Sprouts storage bins in fox and raccoon

8. Schoenhut my first piano in red

Nursery Progress: Rocking Chair

As you can see in my nursery mood board here, I was planning on purchasing an eames rocker. After looking at our expenses on the room remodel, our budget began to lower. I searched day and night for the perfect rocker on craigslist and would find nothing but old wooden "country" rockers. I really wanted to get an upholstered one if I wasn't going to be able to purchase the eames one. I never realized how expensive the upholstered ones are, I mean seriously $500-900?! So after rethinking my situation and how much I love a before and after. I came across this in perfect condition wooden rocker on craigslist for $25. That price sounds so much better and it looks great now that it's green!

I made a pillow out of the same fabric as the crib bumpers to toss in the chair after I place it in the nursery. What do you think?

Guest: Dana from Craftyminx

Hello! I'm Dana Beach from Craftyminx, where I blog about my many crafting adventures and life with my husband and our two dogs. I am so excited to be a part of Fall Fest!! Today, I want to share how to make this really cute fall treat bag out of felt.

This project can be as simple or as advanced as you want to make it. I included sewing and embroidery in my version but all of this could easily be done with fabric glue to make a simple no-sew project that kids can even enjoy.

Here's what you'll need:

• Fall embellishment template (see below)
• Felt in various fall colors
• Yarn
• A big sharp needle that will fit the yarn
• Scissors
• A ruler
• A pencil
• A sewing machine or fabric glue
• Embroidery floss or other embellishments- optional

Step 1: Print the template out on a heavy card stock and cut out the pieces that you plan to use. Then cut the corresponding pieces out of the felt. I just hold the piece to the felt when I use heavy card stock.

Step 2: Cut a rectangle from the piece of felt that is 5"x11.5'- this will be your bag.

Step 3: Fold the rectangle in half and figure out the placement of your embellishments. Then embroider or glue on the felt pieces. I used the blanket stitch to attach my pieces.

Step 4: Sew or glue up the sides of the bag with right sides together. Then turn the bag right side out.

Step 5: Measure down an inch and run the yarn around the top of the bag leaving plenty of length tie once you draw the bag closed.

Step 6: Attach leaves or acorns to the end of the drawstrings.

Step 7: Fill with treats and share with a friend!

I think these would be really cute for kids to make for their friends, especially if a parent pre-sews all of the bags and lets the kids glue on the embellishments.

Nursery Progress: Painted Walls and Crib Bumpers

Over the weekend Paul and I accomplished a lot of nursery to dos. First of all the room currently has

sheetrock that has been mudded, taped, sanded, and painted. Second, we ran into a little problem along the way with the ceiling. It's popcorn ceiling and it wouldn't take the paint. It kept peeling off every time Paul would brush a new stroke. So, in the end he had to scrape off the popcorn and sand the ceiling before painting. Oh well, I hate popcorn ceiling anyway! The next project is to hang trim and install carpet, which will be done as soon as we clean up the floor.

While Paul stayed busy with all the dusty, dirty stuff, I worked on the crib bumper. I was nervous to start this project because I've never felt confident in my sewing when it came to big projects. I was so happy afterwards that they turned out perfect (to me). Tutorial to come if anyone is interested?

Guest: Mollie from Wild Olive

Hello, friends of Oh So Lovely! I'm Mollie from Wild Olive, and I love cute things with sweet faces! Fall is my favorite season, so being apart of this Fall Fest celebration makes me very happy. Sipping coffee or tea while a brisk breeze comes through makes the season perfect, and what goes better with a mug of coffee or tea than a mug rug?!? (Okay, so maybe some freshly baked cookies...but you're on your own with those.) 

I've never made a mug rug before, but I've wanted to for a long time. If you don't know what these are, they are basically an extra large coaster or a mini placemat. They're a place for your mug, and perhaps a snack...and I think they are the cutest!

Here's what you need:

• Cotton fabric- solid or patterned (in a color or pattern that you can stitch on)- about 6x9"
• Felt- wool or wool blend is best- 2 pieces about 6x9", 1 piece about 6x3"
• Fusible web- 2 pieces about 6x9", 1 piece about 6x3"
• Embroidery floss
• Pattern- click here to download PDF
• Pinking shears are helpful for making this extra cute!

1. Cut out the pattern, and transfer the leaf face and veins onto the cotton fabric. Don't cut the fabric to the pattern size just yet.

2. Layer the 6x9" pieces of felt, fusible web and fabric in the order shown above (but with edges lined up, of course). Follow manufactueres instructions for the fusible web, and if you have a kind with a paper backing, peel it carefully on the felt. Note: Two layers of felt will make this a bit more substantial, but if your felt is extra thick, one layer would do.

3. Cut the 6x3" piece of felt. Use pinking scissors on the left edge, and cut out the leaf shape. Cut a piece of fusible web just a bit smaller than this piece, and cut out the leaf shape. Fuse this piece so that the leaf embroidery shows through the cut out.

4. Use the pattern to trim around the edges with pinking shears. The finished size should be about 8.5x11.

5. With a running stitch, sew around the leaf cut out, and along the pinked edge of the top layer of felt.

6. Sew around all four outside edges with a running stitch, and your mug rug is ready to use!

I hope you enjoy making and using your new mug rug. I've already been loving mine. Be sure to visit Wild Olive for more fun patterns, projects and printables...I've always got something new to share!

Contoured Burp Cloths

I've been dying to get some sewing projects done for Noah, but my sewing machine has been acting up for a long time now. I thought I had fixed it, but it messed up again. In order to get any of Noah's bedding, etc. done I was going to need a sewing machine ASAP. So the sweet husband took me to Joann to get a new one that was on sale.

The first thing I made for Noah is some contoured burp cloths using this tutorial that I found on pinterest. I wanted to try my new machine out and of course make cuter ones than the stores carry. Oh, and ignore the crooked edges, please!

Pumpkin Patch, State Fair, Fall Baking...Check!

Just wanted to pop in say a happy fall from the Turleys (all three of us)! We took this photo at the pumpkin patch two weekends ago when we went. I'm currently baking some cinnamon spice cupcakes with cream cheese icing. Another thing marked off of my autumn goals list!

-Picnic at the park
-Drinks from Starbucks
-Go to pumpkin patch
-Bake cookies/pies
-Campfire with s'mores
-Nature walk
-Decorate/carve pumpkins
-Make a leaf garland
-Decorate my home
-Go to the state fair
-Make a fall wreath
-Take a leaf pile photo

Have you completed any of your autumn goals yet?

Guest: Whitney from Becoming

Hello, Oh So Lovely readers! I'm Whitney, a diy-loving newlywed. I blog over at Becoming about the beautiful craziness and adventure that is marriage.

When Sherry asked me to be a part of her Fall Fest, I squealed with excitement. Is there any season more wonderful than fall? Fall is a time for changing leaves, tights and boots, holding hands, and pumpkin spice latte dates. Not to mention all the crafting by the fire (or while watching Project Runway for those of us without fire places) that fall seems to call for.

When trying to decide what craft to make for this Fall Fest, I started rummaging around my craft area looking for things that make me think "fall." My favorite DIYs are the kind that are free. So this is a pretty simple one using things most crafters have on hand.

The supplies: a sheet of brown felt, a scrap of material, and some zippers (I ended up using six). You'll also need a needle and thread, a pin for the backing, and your trusty hot glue gun.

My Bibi (the coolest grandmother in the world) gave me these really sweet old zippers. I thought the color of the zippers went well with the material and the gold zipper teeth really brought out the warmth of the wool. If you don't have vintage zippers, regular zippers in coordinating colors would look great, too.

The first thing you do is make some zipper roses. Unzip the zipper and cut off the zipper pull. Then start rolling it around itself, securing it every now and then with a dab of hot glue.

If you want to make a larger rose, use two strips of zipper. Simply glue the second strip right over the first one and keep on wrapping it around.

Once you have a mass of zipper flowers that you like, cut a circle out of the brown felt and hot glue them on. The flowers are pretty heavy, so you'll need to get a little hot glue happy.

Cut out two pairs of leaves from the felt and material. They don't have to be precise, just make sure the leaves out of the material are a little longer than the leaves out of the felt. Then, take your needle and thread, make a knot at the bottom of each material leaf, and do a running stitch down the center. Stop a little bit before you get to the tip of the leaf.

While pulling the thread with one hand, scrunch the leaf down with the other. When it looks good and scrunchy, tie off the thread. Glue just the bottom part of the scrunchy leaf to the felt one.

Hot glue strips of zipper around the leaves. I wasn't sure if I had enough zipper, so I went ahead and glued leaves together and only attached zipper to the parts that showed.

Now, you can attach the felt circle of zipper flowers to the leaves (again, with LOTS of hot glue). Arrange the ruffles in the leaves, and then glue them in place. Flip the pin over and make sure everything is glued together well. Then cut out a shape from the felt that will cover most of the back of your pin. Cut slits in that piece to stick the pin edges through, and then attach it to the back of your piece.

Voila! You have a handmade, fall-inspired pin!

Wear it on your jacket, pin it on a belt, glue it to a decorative pillow, or stick it on a wreath. The possibilities are endless!

I hope you all enjoy the tutorial and maybe get inspired to do some fall crafting! I'm really excited about this Fall Fest! The rest of the bloggers lined up to contribute are basically amazing. For real.

Happy Fall!

Whitney