We’re still swimming in the aftermath of Christmas and starting some preparations for Grace’s birthday. The mornings are slow with the kids out of school, just the way I like them. But by evening, I’m pulling out the birthday party projects and working on my outfits for Project Run and Play. It starts next week!! I’m very excited and also very nervous – will you come vote for me? I’d hate to go out the first week and have zero votes. Especially because I’m so excited to make all the outfits I have dancing around in my head – the themes are so fun!
I promised to share a couple of the handmade projects I did for the girls and this first one turned out so awesome! I had seen some “Princess and the Pea” sets in the catalogs this year, selling for a bazillion dollars, so I decided to make a little themed gift set for Olivia. I ended up purchasing a pricey doll bed because I ran out of shopping time and wasn’t able to find one in a thrift store (I didn’t even consider building one). I went through my small pieces of fabric – fat quarters were the exact perfect size for this bed mattress) and stacked them on top of one another until I had identified the colors I wanted to use. Then I just cut the pieces to size, folded in half, and stitched around the perimeter leaving a small opening in the short end. I trimmed the corners, turned them right side out and tucked in a piece of foam batting that I had cut to size. I used several different thicknesses of batting, primarily because I didn’t purchase nearly enough and had to scrounge around in my attic-like storage closets to find other random batting scraps. I like how the mismatched sizes turned out. I hand-stitched the openings closed and stacked the mattresses on the bed. A little quilted blanket topped off the bedding set.
I made a black apple doll using the pattern and instructions posted on Martha Stewart, here. I’ve been wanting to make one of these dolls since last Christmas and I have to tell you, it was so simple, you should definitely whip up a couple in your free time (wink!). Isn’t she so cute? I wasn’t sure if her simple figure would pass child scrutiny, but Olivia took to her right away.
I made a little pea out of some clay, though I’d much prefer a cute crocheted pea like I saw in a catalog. Unfortunately, I don’t know how to crochet – perhaps this should be a goal for 2012…Sorry, sidetracked. Anyway, I typed up the story of the Princess and the Pea and printed it out on a little sheet of pearly pink cardstock to finish off the set.
I think this project would be perfect for beginning seamstresses and those who like to sew up openings by hand.
Comments & Reviews
littlebeemama says
I found your site through Pinterest. Do you mind sharing which bed you bought? I too am looking for a dollhouse bed. Love these pictures!
karlamcurry says
This is adorable. I bookmarked a bunch of different ideas for similar sets and want to make one for my daughter. I just have to pick fabric! An idea for the pea – just felt some wool roving into the shape of a ball; easy-peasy under hot water!
Claire says
Adorable-what a talent you have-I’m your newest follower-stop by for a visit!
Kristie-Creating Chaos says
Adorable! I totally love the gift. I never would have thought of making such a cute little set.
Jenny@daysofchalkandchocolate says
THis is so pretty and sweet! You are one of my faves because everything you do is done so well and you have a knack for picking the prettiest fabrics! You inspired me to make my daughter’s party hats for her fairy party when I saw yours! Would you link up to my party?
http://daysofchalkandchocolate.blogspot.com/2011/12/latest-and-greatest-friday-12-features.html
Jessie says
Soooo Cute! I just discovered this black Apple Doll on Martha’s website and am so hoping that my sister (who is expecting) has a girl so I can make it. I LOVE the princess and the pea idea. For your challenge can we vote online? Keep us in the loop b/c I will vote for you.
Stef says
Thank you, ladies! I haven’t seen the Lauren Child’s book before, but since you all recommend it, and it looks so cute, I’m going to have to put it on my wish list! Thanks for the recommendation!!
Sandy says
Correction:
Before someone shoots me…
Not this Princess (that would make your little one cry) Of course I mean future (homeless) Princesses.
Sandy says
oH how precious this is!
Girl with the way you create I get totally overstimulated here!
I actually started cleaning up “my” space this morning. You did not realize what that cleaned up studio photo of yours caused me to do?
(lol)
But, I totally thank you for it.
You should put this Princess and her Pea. with or without Prince in your Etsy!
It would totally sell! (for almost a Bazillion – wink)
birdie blue says
that turned out perfectly darling, stef. have you seen lauren child’s version of the ‘princess and the pea’?
happy new year, my friend.
xo
molly
Lanie says
That is adorbs Stef. I don’t know if I remember the story! I’m surprised Disney hasn’t made a movie of that story yet!
Lindsay(PACountryCrafts) says
adorable!!! you did a great job!
Sylvia says
It looks amazing! I loved that story when I was a child. I think yours is lovely and very cute. I am sure Olivia will have a great time playing with it!
KJ@letsgoflyakite says
It turned out just darling. I think it is great how you used fat quarters as the mattress layers. I have been wanting to make one of these sort of sets for my daughters for ages since they read this version of Princess and the Pea illustrated by Lauren Childhttp://www.amazon.com/Princess-Pea-Lauren-Child/dp/0786838868