Dress Up Clothes Patterns

Looking for a great gift for this holiday season?  How about dress up clothes for toddlers/preschoolers.  I even donated several to the preschool classroom.

You can make 2 for under $8.00.  Talk about a great and affordable gift.  Plus, what little kid doesn't like dinos and dragons?  We also have bears, puppies, cows, and more.  Here.

Christmas Mini Paper Bag Album Tutorial

Now that Christmas is over with, it is time to start organizing all of those Christmas photos.  I thought that I would share one of these adorable little mini paper bag albums Lisa and I made up.  We used black bags - $2.99 at Michael's over buy the wrapping paper.  You fold 2 or 3 bags in 1/2 and then stitch down the middle with your sewing machine.  You can also punch holes and hand stitch it together or tie it together with ribbons. 

 We decorated each page with a little photo mat cut from card stock. 

 Then we clipped in various little embellishments.  I really like variety so there are stickers, titles, and die cuts in this mini album.

 For the pull out pocket pages, we stapled a die cut onto a square of card stock.  It makes the book look bigger and fuller. 

 For a final touch, I wanted a more vintage feel than ribbon.  I got 3 different colors of raffia and tied that around the spine instead of ribbon.  These make really nice stocking stuffers or little thank you gifts for after Christmas.

Christmas Gift Tutorial Roundup - Elementary Aged Children

Nintendo DS Cases

There probably isn't a hotter gift item for kids in this age group than the DS.  It is a must have.  So, whether you are crafting for a boy or a girl, a DS case would make a great gift. 

This drawstring case from Mariska is one of the simplest ideas for a case I have seen.  It makes me want to make a few for my upcoming craft shows.

Notice the little pocket in back for the games.  Check out the DS case tutorial here.

This is another great Nintendo DS case tutorial from Kender Crafts.  Plus, her blog is awesome.  I didn't see an idea on there I didn't like. 

I Spy Bags

This is also from Kender Crafts, but you can find the tutorials everywhere.

I Spy stuff is huge with this age group as well.  One word to the wise, Lisa & I tried these and I just could not a get a product that I wanted to sell, but for gift giving, they were fine.  The plastic pellets can be pricey, so bring a coupon.  Kamille plays with her monster I Spy bag every time she comes across it in her toys.  Find the I Spy Bag Tutorial here.

Tool Belt

This is a great tutorial because you could make it into so many things, a garden apron, art smock, etc.

Check it out over at Seven Little Monkeys.

Fabric House Tutorial

The reason I didn't call this a doll house is that with some fabric selection it can go boy or girl.  Try a safari/jungle look for zhu zhu pets or to keep all of those annoying little pop up pets in.

This great Tutorial is from UK Lass in US. 

Lunch Bags

This is a cute pattern for a fun and fast lunch sack.  You can also check out my tutorial on the Busy Beaver Lunch Sack.

Tissue Holder



This is another cute little idea.  I doubt you need a tutorial to make it.  Add a loop to hand from the backpack. 

Back Pack Doo Dads

Now the Sesame Street kind might be too babyish for elementary, but this tutorial was TOO cute to pass by without sharing.

Check out the tutorial over at Craft Passion.

Headband Tutorial

This ribbon headband tutorial seems too simple, but there is a great hint involved that is worth checking out. 

Tutorial from Chocolate on my Cranium.