DIY Dig Kit

What is a dig kit you ask?  Well, its something that your Minecraft enthusiast might enjoy, or a budding archeologist.  I happen to have both in the form of grandsons.  This was a super simple gift to make, but it yielded high rewards.  I picked up the following supplies:

•plaster of paris

•cinnamon

•beach sand (from the sandbox)

•foil pans (2 for $1 at the dollar store)

•cooking spray

•rocks and trinkets
•kitty litter (optional)

To complete the kit, you might opt for safety goggles, hammer, chisel, magnifying glass, and a small paint brush.

A Pajama Party and Bokeh!

How much does it cost to make four pairs of pajamas and two nightgowns?

$30?  $40?  $50?

Well, let me tell you...

big chunk of flannel from the thrift store...3.99

flannel sheet from the thrift store....2.99

bias trim from the thrift store...50 cents

elastic....1.49

four clearance-priced t-shirts....4.00

TOTAL= $12.97

(That's about $2.16 per child!)

Not too bad!  I used an old pair of pajama pants to make the pattern for the boys.  The girls' nightgowns were made using this pattern from Sew, Mama, Sew!  I did add a ruffle to the sleeves and bottom of the nightgown for added detail.  The nightgowns seemed a little wide in the chest, so in the future I might cut them down a little.  All in all, it was a pretty easy pattern.

Christmas Break was like one long pajama party!

And what's a pajama party without making a few goofy faces?

I also thought I would try my hand at Bokeh before the Christmas lights came down....and not just regular bokeh, but shaped bokeh.  I learned the technique by following this tutorial at The Hobby Room.  It's a pretty fun technique with amazing results.

"Regular"

"Stars"

"Snowflakes"

I'm excited about this technique and can't wait to experiment more with it!