Here's a cute idea for a teacher gift that will cost you very little coin! It would also be super cute in a kid's room, or as a kiddie birthday gift. You can find a box of crayons and a frame at the dollar store. Print out your background with the teacher's name, and create a monogram out of crayons, breaking them to get the right widths. Glue crayons on, pop in the frame, and you're ready to go back to school! You can also substitute other school supplies such as colored pencils or regular #2 pencils. Oh, and don't forget to check the school supply bins at your local department stores for even better prices on crayons! [click here for original project]

*Update* Lisa from Well How Nice wrote a tutorial with some great tips for getting clean cuts on your crayons.  Click here.

Project Estimate:

• Frame, $1
• Box of crayons, $1
• Glue, on hand

Total: $2

YAY! I'm Finally here doing this *HUGE GRIN*

Crafty Mavens Unite!

Ummmm...PLEASE be patient with me, this is a first and I am Terrible at organizing and Wonderful at having 444 projects happening all at the same time :) and not to be super tacky - but I need to jump right in with business - sorry, but I vow to supply LOTS of crafty goodness from A - Z and my insane supply of inspiration boards, tutorials, projects and randomness.

My hunky hubby is driving me meshunganeh (good Yiddish word) due to the amount of time that has gone into my various craft-ologies. Not so good with the kitchen-ologies... So before I start yappin' away - here you go Kim- my favorite Jersey Housewife - and your fellow awesome Jersey Girlz. Hi Brookeeee!

There are a few ways you can create the neckline in particular with this style - one is with a covered, elasticized, gathered fabric neckline with self tie bow at shoulder - everything is attached as one piece - easy to wash and best of all SO Easy for little girls to Dress themselves in this style. Love that with my daughter and I also like the somewhat fuller, slightly a-lined fit of the body.

The other two styles are a fabric sash/tie at neck with bow, and then the shoulder ties option with ribbon on each shoulder - more of a "pillowcase style". This last style is very basic/easy and the least expensive - and probably the oldest (vintage love)

My personal favs are the first two - and my girlfriend Marge and I have been tweaking a pattern to achieve the right amount of gathering at the neck without swallowing the frail girls out there. The gathered elastic neckline does add some bulk (wish I could think of a different word here) but I also prefer the lush look of having more fabric. We prefer a more modest neckline as well, and raised it. The bow is sewn on as one piece at the shoulder which you can style as you please. Finally, contrast fabric band at the bottom is a nice touch which you will see on some of my pants, skirts...and the extra touch of contrast binding around the arms looks great I think. Need to make the bow shorter and wider.

O.M.G this might be bad news b/c I can't stop blabbing! Here are some pics of figuring the tweaks. This first one looks ok - love the Amy Butler new line :) BUT still too much fabric - looking for a bit more of an Aline shape while still full.

I''m SO NOT a photographer - so please excuse...any good ones out there that wanna get together?!?

Sizes: 2T - 8 (I can do these in larger sizes as well, for additional cost of fabric) $28 - $38

these are awesome and made for the most discerning customer *wink* but no, for reals. There are items that are made to last and done professionally or couture and then there are items that will make it through a few washes and wears...These sell in shishi poo poo boutiques for $70 +