Reversible Baby Bonnet

I found this adorable pattern for a sunbonnet (on Pinterest, of course) and since Josephine's sunhat was getting a little small, I decided to try to make it!

Here's how mine turned out ... the second time:

Adorable, right? Well, the first time I made it, despite following the instructions on the blog, the bonnet turned out a little small:

The instructions suggest tracing a hood that fits your baby, which I did. I also added in a seam allowance, but the pattern doesn't account for the stitch you sew in the back of the bonnet. You'l need to add a few inches in either direction to make up for that.

Josephine doesn't like things on her head.

Here's my cute little helper.

Love and Polka Dots,

Leah Joy

P.S. In case you're wondering, here's the size difference between the two patterns I made.

Teething Popsicles

I saw a great idea (on Pinterest, naturally) for teething popsicles made with a pacifier (as the popsicle stick) and the cap from a baby bottle (for the mold). I loved this idea, but pacifiers are kind of expensive to buy in bulk (especially when your baby doesn't really like one anyway) and we only had a couple bottle tops.

And then, I was at a garage sale and found a bag of 17 pacifiers for 50 cents. I brought them home, sterilized them, and made some popsicles in an ice cube tray!

There's not really a recipe for these. I threw some frozen strawberries and whatever juice we had in the fridge into the blender. I also added some juice concentrate because I had a small amount left in a container in the freezer.

I had enough mixture leftover to make a few Mommy-size popsicles, too!

Love and Strawberries,

Leah Joy

Summer Wreath

A few years ago, I had this fantastic idea to make a yarn-wrapped wreath with seasonal accessories. The accessories would be on alligator clips so I could easily change them out when I wanted to.

I started the wreath in February 2013 but didn't get around to decorating it until December. Even then, I just threw a garland and a bow on it. And this is how it stayed for 2.5 years.

I finally got around to decorating it for summer!

Everything is on an alligator clip, so I can switch it for some fall decor (next) September. :)

Love and Pinwheels,

Leah Joy

Book Clutch

My little sister graduated high school! I'm so incredibly proud of her! To celebrate, I made her this book clutch. I found helpful instructions here and here.

I picked up the book at an used book sale at my local library. The topic seemed appropriate for Chloe.

I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby.

While most parts of this clutch are glued together (E-6000), I still took the time to topstitch many of the pieces. I like how neat and tidy it makes everything look.

It's not perfect, but it's still very pretty!

Inside, I included 3 pencil cases and some coupons for emergency cupcakes.

For her graduation open house, I also made 235 cupcakes! It was a blast! (And exhausting!)

I totally forgot to get a picture of all of the cupcakes at the end, but after Day 1 (of baking, technically Day 3 of the whole process), this is what it looked like:

Now double that... :)

Love and Raspberries,

Leah Joy

Garden Success! (without really trying...)

Last year, Caleb and I finished off our cinder block raised bed garden, and Chloe planted some shade-loving plants in it.

I'm happy to report that it's going gangbusters this year!

For the curious: foamflower (in front), dwarf crested iris (in middle), and astilbe (in back).

Also, last year, Chloe and I planted a figurative ton of wildflower seeds all around the edge of my backyard. Exactly zero of them came up last year, but this year 3 or 4 came up, including this pretty one:

Love and ALEAP*,

Leah Joy

*As Little Effort As Possible

Another Changing Table Pad Cover

After successfully making the rainbow striped changing table pad cover, I decided I wanted an extra cover. However, I didn't have a piece of fabric large enough, nor did I want to purchase anything new. So, I made a blue striped one!

It's so pretty!

Love and Flowers,

Leah Joy