So exciting...

So, I have made a couple of simple things with my new sewing machine, like an eye mask that can be put in the refrigerator and a hot water bottle cover from a button-up shirt (both from Handmade Home by Amanda Soule), but I wanted to make something with a little more detail.  Well, ta-da!

This is the Mama's Bag, also from Handmade Home.  It took me less than a day to make and I was so excited after I finished that I just want to make another one!  I don't know how well you can see, but it has pleats where the handle attaches to the bag.  Love it!

Paper mache bowls...

Today's craft activity was paper mache bowls.  I remember doing paper mache while in grade school, but since that was a while ago, I used the recipe for paste and instructions from Amanda Blake Soule's book Handmade Home.  Have I mentioned I LOVE HER?!

The boys really enjoyed it, although it took a few minutes for Justin to want to get his hands in the paste.  After some convincing on my part that the paste was not overly goopy and would come off with some plain warm water, he got more into it.  It was great fun!  I offered my "help" a few times because I wanted to get my hands in it too!

Pictures of the finished product to come soon!