Review Aivilo Charlotte's

Pattern Review

I have had the wonderful opportunity to work with Lisa over at Aivilo Charlotte on this wonderful review. I had come across her wonderful sewing patterns on one of my favorite hot spots for sewing patterns YCMT, I think this is a hot spot for all of us sewing mommies. She make the cutest bag patterns and since I'm a bag-aholic I just had to have one... two... three well you get the point. I was so excited when Lisa chose me to review her Aivilo Pocket Tote Bag. This wonderful pattern comes with 4 different sizes to choose from, small, medium, large, and extra- large.

I was so excited to receive this pattern because May 4th was the beginning of Teacher appreciation week and I just knew this is what I had to make for B's teachers. I love making bags and could not wait to see how this one was constructed. The first impression that I got from the pattern that it was full of pictures, this is nice because it allows you not only to pick the size of the bag that you want to make but also different fabric options that you can choose, as well as pocket variations. The e-book was well written and the hardest part normally of any bag construction is making sure that you have the appropriate interfacing so the construction of the bag is sturdy as well as easy to assemble. This bag takes about 2 hours to finish so its a great last minute gift idea and easy to make for any outfit or event. I loved working with Lisa and have attached a few pictures of the 2 gifts that I made for B's Teachers.

This bag has a Guidance flower on one pocket and poppy seeds on the other

The embroidery designs on this one is live, laugh, love and the other one is hope, faith and love

Valentine Pig Candy Jars

This week on Tip me Tueday i wanted to feature the cutest project that B and I did for his teachers. B loves do draw or do anything crafty so he wanted to do something special for his teachers this year for valentines day and being the crafty mommy I am I wanted to make something. It wasnt hard to find a 4 year old something to craft on give them scissors, glue and some paper and there off and running, but being the perfectionist I am it had to be cute and unique. I came across a picture of the cutiest Valentines Day Craft at Michaels and new that PIGS were in our future. They turned out so cute and B and C both had a blast helping. Even fireman helped out which is amazing because he really isnt in to the whole craft seen . Here is the list of items that you need to make a

Valentines Pig Candy Jar

(this project can be modified )

Materials We Used

Feel free to get shapes already cut out

Scissors

Glue for ceramics and foam

1 pink foam sheet

1 White foam sheet

1 red foam sheet

1 pen

4 in terracotta pot

3.5 in saucer (optional) instead of foam hearts on bottom

pink acrylic paint

black sharpie

1 pink chenille pipe cleaner

hot glue gun (for mommies only)

First, cut cut out all the shapes we drew ours out on paper first then cut them out.

Second paint the pots pink inside and out, let dry over night.

Cut out 1 pink circle to glue in bottom inside of pot to seal up the hole so the candy doesnt leak out.

First start by gluing the heart shapes to the base of the pot this is a total of 4 hearts to make the feet, then glue on eye lids to eyes then draw in the pupils, second glue nose then the hearts for the mouth. We used a sharpie bold to draw the mouth and the circles for the nose, but could also use stickers.

take a pencil and wrap the pipe cleaner around until it becomes curley then hot glue the pipe cleaner to the back of the pot this will be the tail for the piggy.

Last add your favorite candy for your valentine or your favortie teacher. This was such a great craft for my 4 year old he enjoyed spending quality time with mommy but easy enough that my 2 year old was able to help. I hope you enjoy it as much as we did.