How To: Handprint pillow ornament!

The other day, my friend and I had a playdate with our little ones and we attempted to make salt dough handprint ornaments and it didnt turn out so well..

Mine ended up as an ornament poof!  Which, in a way, inspired my next idea for a handprint ornament!  I have found that paint handprints last so much longer and is a little bit easier (if you can prevent your child from getting paint everywhere! I highly recommend a helper!).  Here is what you will need:

1/4 yards of sturdy fabric (I used some canvas that I had in my craft closet)
Ribbon or jute rope
Pillow stuffing - I didn't have any pillow stuffing so I just used cotton balls :)
Needle & thread (you can either hand sew the pillow or use a sewing machine)
Paint

My curious little one :)

NOTE: this is where the helper comes in handy! I did this project by myself and we ended up with red paint on the table, chairs and on our clothes! Luckily, it wiped off easy :)

After your handprints dry (I gave mine at least 12 hours), take your measuring tape and give about 1 cm border on the widest part of the handprint.  Mine ended up being about a 12 cm x 12 cm square but this will vary depending on how big your child's handprint is. 

Cut out the handprint and another square of fabric for the back side of the pillow.

Place the handprint fabric on top of the blank fabric and sew up three sides leaving one side open for you to put in the pillow stuffing (or in my case, cotton balls!)

Tie your ribbon or jute rope and cut each end.

Stuff the ornament with pillow stuffing or cotton balls.  I used about 12 cotton balls per pillow but you can use more or less depending on how "fluffy" you want your pillow!

Place the ribbon or jute rope inside the pillow and sew the remaining side of the pillow together.  NOTE: after I did this pillow, I realized how difficult it was to sew the jute rope while the stuffing was in there.  So, I sewed the top side of the pillow with the jute rope first, before the other sides and it was much easier :)

Viola! Finished product! These make great presents for family members and are very simple and easy to make!

How to: Home made baby safe finger paint!

What baby doesn't love to put everything in their mouth?! That is why when it comes time to have some painting fun with baby, it is important to make sure everything is baby safe! This past week, Kylar had lots of fun working on her first "masterpiece"! I think she particularly enjoyed making a mess and watching mommy clean it up ;) Here is the recipe and directions for the baby safe finger paint we made!

First, you will need:

2 1/2 cups of water
1/4 cup cornstarch
Food coloring

1. Mix the cornstarch and water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil.

2. Stir occasionally. Once it has turned to a clear and thick consistency, you will know it is ready.  I used some of the Gerber baby food containers that I had saved and they were perfect for finger paint storage! (I knew all of my hoarding would come in handy some day!)

3. Add food coloring and you're done! So easy!

See! Totally edible!

All bundled up after making a mess.. I mean masterpeice!

Perfect! Ithink we have a little Picasso on our hands!

And here is another cute pic of my little one that is totally unrelated to DIY baby finger paints but mommies love to brag! :)