Thursday, December 22, 2011

Another Apron

While I made gingerbread aprons for the five grandkids who are under five years of age, I knew the 16 year old shouldn't be left out, but he needed something more appropriate. He helps his grand-pop in the kitchen with potato pancakes and so his apron reflects his "apprenticeship" status. A plain purchased apron from a craft store or warehouse type store is a blank canvas and ready to be personalized. In this case, I made a caricature of the young man and put cooking utensils in place of guns. He often wears a three-cornered hat to SASS shooting events and so that added an even more personal touch.

Bow in a Hurry

 When you need a pretty bow in a hurry, think about your crisper. Much of our bountiful harvest of fruits and vegetables come packaged in mesh bags. You may already save the mesh bags (tied in knots and stored in a baggie under your sink) to use as non-abrasive scrubbers for your non-stick surfaced pots and pans, but the mesh bags also make for lovely--and often colorful--bows. Simply snip off any advertising cardboard pieces. Hold at approximately one-half and tie a regular shoe type bow. Pull tight. Be sure to puff the bow out. Attach to a gift and you have a colorful (and useful) final touch.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Gingerbread Man Aprons

Been busy this week. I cut out and stitched five "Gingerbread Man"aprons for five of the six grandchildren. Two are shown here. One "apron" is more a bib, quite small, for the baby--but all of them have the verse: "Run, run, as fast as you can. You can't catch me. I'm the gingerbread man." The last line is on the pocket that contains a felt gingerbread man. I sent them off to the kiddos with a package of gingerbread mix and cookie cutters. These were especially easy to make by using quilt seam binding for the neck loop and ties. I did make adjustable neck portions using two circles as I was guessing on size as three of the grandkids are out of state. Okay, so I said I had six grandkids and made five of these aprons. Well, the grandkids are 5 mo., 1 yr., 2 yrs., 3 yrs. 4 yrs. and--drum roll please--16 years. I knew the 16 year old wouldn't especially want a "Run, run, as fast. . ." apron. Therefore, I made him an apron, but put his caricature on it. His apron is a "Potato Pancake Apprentice" one and since he does help in the kitchen from time to time, I know he'll use it. The felt gingerbread man was easy to make with adhesive backed felt. I folded the adhesive in on itself and used a cookie cutter to trace and outline. Then, I added buttons, magic marker eyes and white trim.