Rainbow Sundress with Custom Polymer Buttons

     I love it when cute fabric goes on clearance!  I picked up this adorable rainbow fabric at Hancock Fabrics the last clearance event that they had and have been planning on making a sundress for Scarlett.  I had a specific sundress pattern in mind, but my idea for the dress changed at the last minute and I threw my plans out the window and just did my own thing. 

     Did some criss-cross straps in the back for added interest, as well as adding the rick-rack trim to the bottom hem of the dress.

     I think what changed my mind was that I really wanted to use my new clay cutters... and what better way than to make custom buttons?

           After sewing the dress together, I pulled out my Sculpey Premo clay, marble tile (GREAT for working with when you're using clay), and tools.  I wanted the entire button to be made of polymer, not an ounce of paint for coloring. 

     After being sculpted and before being baked:

"Rainbow" Button.

"Bird with Tree" Button.

     After they were sculpted and had their button holes, these were baked in the oven for 30 minutes.  Then quenched and cooled, sanded, and varnished.  After their second coat was dry, they were ready to be sewn on the dress. 

     Project complete!

    

"Grouchy Ladybug" Burp Cloths and Spice Rack Button Organizer.

   I believe I have a button problem.  Whenever I see buttons on sale, something "pings" in my brain and I'm instantly drawn in.  My button collection has gotten completely out of control and while looking for some worthy buttons today, I decided to get it semi-organized... rather than just relying on a Rubbermaid tub of button chaos.

     Thankfully, this was a project that the kids were THRILLED to help me tackle.  Playing with buttons?  Sold.

    I've had this spice rack for years.  It's just been sitting empty forever because I knew that it would be used sometime, but I just kept overlooking it.  Not today!  I cleaned it up really nice and the kids and I were able to bring a semblance of order to my button box.  Still not completely done, but we're well on our way.   Perfect use for an old spice rack.

Spinning Spice Rack turned "Button Organizer"

    Also, my husband was a huge help yesterday and took the kids for a few hours while I had a big of time to myself.  I was able to finish off another set of burp cloths for the baby and now just have a few more left to go.  (Honestly, can you ever have enough burp cloths?  I don't think so, so I'm stocking up bigtime!)

    "Grouchy Ladybug" burp cloths.

     Don't you love it when you get uninterrupted sewing time?  :)

     Last, but not least, we had a big surprise this morning when I was watering my impatiens and discovered...

     I love little surprises that pop out of the blue like that.  I accidentally scared Mama bird away before I realized there was something else in my hanging planter while I was watering.  However, she came back right after I left.  The kids are thrilled and I can't wait to figure out what kind of birds they are and to see the babies when they hatch.  We had this happen last year at our other house and got to watch the baby birds hatch, grow, and eventually move on.  So excited to get to do it again!