Sugar Plum Alley

new blog

2011-12-15T14:55:00.001-08:00

my blog is changing locations! come see me at

Christmas Clutch

2011-07-08T20:03:00.000-07:00

A couple weeks ago I found this pattern and was dying to make it! I finally found some time to give it a go. I'm really quite tickled with how well it turned out! I've never made a clutch before, and I really liked the idea of using scraps to make things. Such a brilliant idea! Why Christmas you ask? Well.... that's all I really had that I thought would go really well together. And it turned out so cute!

Can't wait till Christmas to start using it!

You'll have to excuse the poor pitcure quality. I'm sorta coveting an SLR camera at the moment

as well as a Silhouette, but that's another blog post!

Why is everything nice so expensive?

Menu Board

2011-07-03T19:29:00.000-07:00

Even though it may not look like it, I've been making lots of things! I'll try my best to get them all up for y'all to see!

My first one here is a Menu Board. Can I just say how much I love it!! I don't have much wall space in my kitchen so I had to find a long skinny frame to fit on the one bare smidgen of a wall I had open.

I LOVE IT!

All it is, is a photo frame with a cut piece of fabric under the glass. I then used my Cricut and cut out some vinyl letters to adhere to the front of the glass. I got my spacing a little off, guess I need to work on that... Then you use a dry erase marker to write in what you are having for dinner each night. I love being able to look at it and knowing exactly what's happening. I don't know about you, but I spend a lot less money at the grocery store when I have a plan for the week and stick to it. That way I only shop once a week rather then 2 or 3 times. It's so cool!

Baby Showers!

2011-05-17T12:22:00.001-07:00

Baby showers are so fun! Especially when I get to make something for it! A friend of mine is having a baby any day now {yay!} and recently had a baby shower. I was lucky enough to get to make her TWO cakes for her special day. A real cake, and a diaper cake.

I've always wanted to make a diaper cake. It's not something you can decide to make one day and make it. You have to have a reason to make it. I was a slightly giddy when I found out I could make one. {You can ask my husband, he can vouch for my childish like excitement when I get to make something new!} It turned out really cute! I hope I get to make another one, it was so easy. They real cake I made is another story. I've decided I don't like working with fondant. It's cool and you can really do a lot with it, but I am so much better with just plain old frosting. Maybe I'm just out of practice. Here are my two cakes. Love 'em!

You know you've lost it when....

2011-04-02T17:19:00.000-07:00

... you start making your own bias tape, and actually enjoy it!

I've been making these reusable toy bags found here for my kids and was needing bias tape to make them. I didn't have the right colors to do it so I followed the tutorial here and made my own. I have since been trying to come up with things that need bias tape to make. Little crazy? Yes! But homemade bias tape is so much cooler than store bought bias tape. You can use any fabric you want and make them so fun!

Anyone have any ideas for projects to use bias tape with? I'd love to know!

Snowman Soup

2010-12-12T07:07:00.000-08:00

I think this Snowman soup is really cute and funny! What a creative way to package fancy hot chocolate! It would be such a great gift for friends and neighbors. It's from the blog

Brown Paper Packages.

Love it!

Biased Skirt Pattern

2010-11-30T08:11:00.000-08:00

My sister-in-law had this on her blog. I thought it was really cute and bookmarked it for later. It's from the

No Big Deal blog.

Can't wait to try it out!

Christmas Planner

2010-11-27T07:09:00.000-08:00

Since I haven't been making anything worth while in a really long time, I thought I would share cute things I find on others crafty blogs. There are so many crafty people out there! One can get very lost reading all the blogs and things.

My first one is a Christmas Planner. It is SO cute and such a good idea. I thought of making different themes for it: homework planner, art book {you'd have to find a composition book that is unlined though}. You could really do anything with a cute book like this.

I found it on the eighteen25 blog. She has step by step instructions and a free printable to help make it easier.

So cute!

Crayon Roll-Ups

2010-04-16T11:12:00.000-07:00

Crayon Roll-Ups are fun and easy to make. The best part? You can take them anywhere. They fit into any bag for on the go fun anytime, anywhere, anyplace. Inspire your budding artist with their very own Crayon Roll-Up.

Instructions are 4 pages long, in full brilliant color. Even a beginner can make this!

To purchase these instructions look for the paypal button on the side bar under "Purchase Instructions Throuhg Paypal".

After I receive your payment I will email you one PDF document containing the instructions.

*** Instructions and pictures were created by me and are my personal property. You may make as many Crayon Roll-Ups as you wish with these instructions and sell them if you want, but please do not copy, reproduce, or otherwise distribute these instructions.

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-12T13:50:00.000-08:00

I've been so busy lately I haven't been able to make anything. I sure missed it. I got busy today being creative! Since it is Valentine's day soon I thought I would make my girls at church a cool Valentine. It was super easy to make. All I did was wrap a Hershey bar with pretty paper and embellish. So easy...and who doesn't like chocolate?

Fun with Mod Podge

2010-01-06T12:36:00.001-08:00

So I have had this particular project laying around for (gasp!) 8 years! I know, very long time. Allow me to explain...

I love collecting quotes and poems. Particularly ones that have special meaning for myself. I think I have done this since before High School. I was watching Martha Stewart 8 years ago, and she was showing how to make a plain composition book look really nice with scrapbook paper and other things, I think. I really liked this idea and wanted a cool place to keep all my quotes and things. I bought a composition book and 2 sheets of paper that I really liked to cover it with. I think there were other ingredients I needed and just couldn't find or never was able to get. I can't remember. We were poor, starving college students then. I began writing in the book at least. So I have had this notebook, and these 2 sheets of paper for 8 years. I know it was 8 years because I wrote the year on the title page. Recently I have discovered the art of decoupage and the very versatile glue Mod Podge. Now... I have made a resolution this year to finish all my unfinished projects BEFORE buying any more. So I can home yesterday with this desire to finish my 8 year long project. I am quite pleased with myself! :o) I think it turned out really nice, and I even still like the paper I had bought for it!

The plain notebook before I covered it...

Proof I started in 2002...

The finished product....

I think everyone needs to have one of these now!

Made In Texas

2009-10-10T19:36:00.001-07:00

I've been having some fun making glass tile necklaces. Here is my latest one. I like it! You can't really see it in this picture...all the edges are black, and the stain ribbon is pink.

Ghost Clippies

2009-10-04T12:21:00.001-07:00

Someone was selling some very elaborate and fancy hair bows at the craft show I went to recently. I am so impressed that others have the patience to make hair bows. I do not. I like to once in a while, and certain ones are much more fun to make than others, and I would make a million for my friends if they asked me too. There was this one being sold that I fell in love with. Maybe it is my love for Halloween that I was so drawn to it, I don't know. But I knew I had to make 3 of them for my girls to wear this October.

Don't you love them?

Fashion Show and Benefit

2009-07-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Come join the fun as Sassy Pants Studio

presents

Friendswood's first and finest

Children's Fall Fashion Show and Boutique

Benefiting the Laura Recovery Center Foundation

Come see the latest in custom clothing and accessories for the littlest loved ones in your life!

And find something special for yourself while you're here!

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Doors open at 10:00 AM

607 S. Friendswood Drive - Suite TBA

(Sherwin Williams Shopping Center)

Friendswood's littlest fashionistas will begin strutting their stuff at 10:30 AM

See back-to-school gear, fall fashions, holiday clothing, costumes and more

Boutique couture that will carry your kids from football season to Frosty.

Looking for the perfect gift for mom, grandmom, or baby?

All of our items are handmade and customizable.

Our items are one-of-a-kind and not sold in stores.

Meet the artists and let them design something special for you!

Tawnie's Sweet Shop will be tempting your taste buds with free refreshments after the show!

This is a unique opportunity you won't want to miss!

Premier Children's Fashion Boutique

Open from 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Custom Creations by local artists and designers!

2 Pink Ladyz

British Knits TX

Christie McGrath Photography

Hyjinx Crafts

Laniebug Bowtique

Le Petit Poisson

Lollypop Designs

Murals by Kathy

Nico Designs

Nicole's Nursery

Sparkly Strandz Jewelry

Sassy Pants Studio

Sugar Plum Alley

and others!

Why wait for the Nutcracker Market? Our entry fee is only 8 dollars for adults and children are free!

Don't fight the Houston traffic. Shop locally and support our local Charity.

Tutu Instructions

2009-07-26T15:15:00.001-07:00

With these instructions you will be able to make a very lovely tutu for anyone of any age. Even the beginner can make something to be proud of. No sewing machine required!

Supplies

about 4 yards of tulle in color of choice
1 inch wide elastic (enough to go around the waist of the person the tutu is for)
Scissors
Ruler
Sewing Machine (optional)

Step 1

Measure around the waist of the person the tutu is for. Add 1 inch and cut the elastic to that size. Over lap the two ends together (about 1/2 inch) and sew them in place either by hand or with a sewing machine. Make sure the elastic is not twisted. Sew over it several times to ensure that it will not come apart.

Step 2

Cut the tulle into strips. I recommend cutting them 5 inches wide by 24 inches long. The finished tutu will be a little less than 12 inches long. Adjust the length as desired. Just remember to double it when cutting. Example: If you want your tutu to be about 10 inches long, then cut the strips 20 inches long by 5 inches wide.

Tip: Tulle is much easier to cut when it is folded into a strip.

Step 3

a. Fold one piece of the tulle in half. Hold one end in each hand. Put it through the middle of the elastic and hold it with your first two fingers like the picture.

b. Grab the two long ends of the tulle with your two fingers and pull it through the loop. Tighten it around the elastic.

c. When tightening the tulle the elastic will be squished together. This is okay. It creates the look of a round waistband when the tutu is finished. The elastic will twist as you keep adding strips of tulle. This is okay as well. It does not matter which side, top or bottom, the tulle is put on...just be consistent.

The right side of the tutu will look like this picture....

The underside of the tutu will look like this picture....

d. Continue adding the strips of tulle until you have gone all the way around the elastic, making sure the tulle is close together. Adjust the strips as necessary and fill in any gaps with more strips of tulle.

Your finished tutu will look like this...

Add some style!

Want a more unique Tutu? Alternate two or more different colors of tulle as you put the strips on.

To add a little flair to your tutu, tie a bow with a piece of matching satin ribbon and sew it onto the tutu. Or tie long pieces of satin ribbon around the waistband.

That’s all.
Congratulations! You did it!

These are my instructions on how to make tutus. You may do as you wish with the tutus you make but please do not copy these instructions or pictures for any reason.

I Spy...Letters, Numbers, and Shapes

2009-07-19T19:27:00.001-07:00

So I had to post about these new I Spy Bags I've made. I wanted to make these for a long time, but have never been able to find something that would work. Well...I finally found it!

This mini I Spy Bag features all the letters of the alphabet, numbers 1-9, and an assortment of shapes. What better way to make learning and recognizing the alphabet and numbers and shapes fun and entertaining? I think it is very cute, but then again, I'm slightly biased! So I finally found some letters and numbers that would work well in the mini I Spy Bag. It was great! I was walking through Michael's and there it was! I scooped it up quick! I honestly don't know why I love these things so much! Oh... and they don't even need a tag on the back... so you can actually see the print on the fabric.

Little Wallets

2009-07-19T19:18:00.000-07:00

Last week my children and I decided we needed to make some wallets for them. (How much stuff do they really need, and why do I have to carry it all?) So we got to work and this is what we came up with. They are very proud of their handy work! They turned out really cute, too!

Exploding Box

2009-06-02T13:31:00.000-07:00

This was really fun to make. I was trying it out because we were going to make it for the kids at school next year. I think it is way cute! I posted a link to the instructions on the side under my favorite web sites. Very fun!!

Cake Anyone?

2009-05-31T18:05:00.001-07:00

I made this cake for my daughter's birthday. It was fun to make and it turned out pretty good! The bottom is a home made gluten free carrot cake...one of my favorites...and the top is a box mix that my daughter picked out. Both tiers are covered in fondant. I added a satin ribbon around the base of each and then cut out fondant flowers. The mobile is made of the fondant flowers with the ribbon tied to it. It was delicious!

Site Make-over

2009-05-15T14:43:00.001-07:00

Since my website is getting ZERO traffic... (I think I'm the only one that looks at it) ...I am cancelling it and moving things over to my blog. I've put a list on the side called "What I Sell..." with everything that I make to sell on a regular basis. It will continue to grow as I get things moved, so check it often! I also have things listed on Etsy...but don't hesitate to ask me for a custom order. (I think those are more fun anyway!)

Cakes

2009-05-15T14:11:00.001-07:00

This slide show contains some examples of cakes and other goodies I have made.

Unfortunately I can't get it to work, so click here to see it.

I love cake decorating and baking. It's a great way to be creative and expressive. (Maybe I've just been watching too much "Ace of Cakes.") Anyway...all of the items pictured can be made Gluten Free. I've been baking gluten free for myself for many years, and have recently added one of my children to that list.

I make cakes and other goodies for all occasions. Listed here are some cake flavors that I make.

Yellow/White Cake
Chocolate Cake
Spice Cake
Carrot Cake
Pumpkin Cake
Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cake
Pound Cake
Cheesecake
Brownies
Cookies of all kinds

Beaded Socks

2009-05-14T18:56:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine taught me how to make these. I have since improved (in my opinion) them. My kids love to wear them. What little girl wouldn't love having frilly beads on her socks? They come in all different colors so you can coordinate them with any outfit, and they are great dressed up or dressed down. You can't go wrong with socks like these!

These are the colors of beads I have available. You can mix and match or just go with one color scheme. The choice is yours! The hearts are only available in Pink, Red, and White.

Available sizes:
0-6 months
6-18 months
18-36 months
S (6-10.5)
M (10.5-4)
L (4+)

Instructions

2009-05-13T18:08:00.000-07:00

A while ago I decided I wanted to write a book on how to make things for little girls...maybe even big girls too! These few instructions are the beginnings of my work on that project. I think I still have a ways to go, but at least it's going.

Beaded Socks Instructions $4.50

With these instructions you will learn how to turn an ordinary pair of white socks into something every little girl will love to wear! Instructions are fully illustrated with lots of pictures. Instructions are 4 pages long, written so even the beginner can make something to be proud of. Some helpful tips are also included. A PDF document will be emailed to you after purchase.

Tote Bag $4.50

With these full color instructions you will be able to make this beautiful tote bag. A sure win for any girl of any age. Instructions are fully illustrated with lots of pictures. Instructions are 4 pages long, written so even the beginner can make something to be proud of. Some helpful tips are also included. A PDF document will be emailed to you after purchase.

I Spy Bag $7.50

Want to make your own I Spy Bag but don't know where to begin? These full color instructions will guide you step by step so you can do it yourself. Instructions are fully illustrated with lots of pictures. Instructions are written so even the beginner can make something to be proud of. A PDF document will be emailed to you after purchase. You will definitely be proud of what you can make. Your children will love it too! For only $5.00 + $1.00 shipping add an assortment of 30 small toys to get you started!

Mouse Clippies

2009-05-01T13:21:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine asked if I would make her a pair of these mouse clippies. I can't believe how cute they turned out. I got the instructions to make them from the Girly Things website. All their instructions are free, and they have some cute stuff!

Minnie Overalls

2009-03-25T10:33:00.000-07:00

I got this idea from a little girl I know. She is adorable! I made this for my little girl to wear at Disney World. I got so many compliments. It was fun to hear everyone say how cute she was!

Ribbon Blankets

2009-02-19T18:55:00.001-08:00

I've been having fun making blankets recently. They are pretty soft...made with flannel and coordinating ribbon.

Boo Boo Bags

2009-01-14T16:16:00.000-08:00

At first glance someone thought my I Spy Bags were Boo Boo Bags. She then proceeded to tell me what a Boo Boo Bag was. I thought it was cool. It's a fabric bag full of rice that you keep in the freezer. When someone gets hurt they can just grab one of the bags. My kids are always insisting they need ice on whatever superficial injury they just received. Now they can use a Boo Boo bag. It's about 6-1/2" x 5-1/2" and has 1-1/2 cups rice in it. You could probably use them as warming bags. Just put it in the microwave for a few seconds.

Christmas Ornaments

2008-12-20T16:23:00.000-08:00

I saw these ornaments at a craft show I went to and thought they were so cute! I didn't have any ideas for gifts for teachers and friends, so this fit in nicely. They were supper easy to make and I found everything 50% off...so 1 cost about $1.25. I made one for my tree too!

Dresses

2008-12-13T16:26:00.000-08:00

I've been making dresses recently. One for a special occasion, and the other just for fun.

The first one is made with a satiny material. The fabric has silver sparkles in it which I think are very pretty. It was suggested that I could tie a silver ribbon around the waist. I think silver would look really nice. I had just washed it, so it's a little wrinkly...but you get the idea!

The second dress is made with regular fabric. Cotton I think. I think the brown and the pink go really nice together. This dress was kind of an experiment for me. My Mom wanted to teach me an easy way to sew in a zipper. She said you do everything on the flat...at least until there are no more flat seams to be sewn. The zipper looks amazing. I stink at putting in zippers, and doing it on the flat was so easy! I think I will continue making dresses this way! Thanks Mom!

Yea For Ribbon

2008-11-28T20:02:00.000-08:00

I've seen these around and thought I would make some for my girls. They want to wear them everyday! These make your pony tail even prettier!

Mini I Spy's

2008-11-27T18:06:00.000-08:00

Gotta love 'em!

Crayon Roll-Up

2008-10-06T18:08:00.000-07:00

I saw this online somewhere and decided my daughter really needed one! I'm getting tired of hauling around bulky crayon boxes or baggies. It's really cute and clever. My kids will really enjoy them...and I will enjoy their small size.

Frog Ribbon Blanket

2008-09-25T18:13:00.000-07:00

I made these blankets for people I know that are having babies. The frog print is on one side and the blue/green print is on the other side. I love blankets! They are so fun and cute. (Looks like one of the ribbons got folded over, bad photo taking on my part, sorry!)

Reversible Tote Bag

2008-08-14T18:18:00.000-07:00

I made this thinking I could use it as a church bag, but now that it is made I think it is a little big for that. So now I think I'm going to use it as a school bag.

I made it with corduroy...mostly because that was all I could find in a good color and I've never made anything with corduroy before. I had to stabilize the fabric so it would be a sturdy bag rather than a flimsy one. Even my DH said it was very professional! AND it's reversible...how COOL is that?