Spring is in the Air

Right now, a lot of the United States and other areas are experiencing what must seem like a neverending Winter.  Here in Oregon we have had an abnormally mild winter and we are already seeing many signs of Spring. 

As I write this, the warm sun is shining in our large, East-facing window and birds are chirping outside.  Squirrels are running around the yard as they have all winter.

On a recent walk, we took pictures of all of the signs of Spring we could find.  Since that walk, the first blooming flower in our yard has appeared - a single, pale yellow daffodil.  What a sight!  It's like that glimpse of hope right when you need it.  I hope this post can be that for those of who are yet to see any sign of Spring.  Please know it is coming!

A Walk Around the Neighborhood

Contrary to many places right now, we are having unusually nice weather here in Oregon...occasionally.  I took advantage of one of these nice days and went for a walk with the kids. 

My son loves taking pictures, so here are some shots around our neighborhood from our walk.  Some I took, some he took. 

I will let the pictures speak for themselves, after all, a picture is worth a thousand words!  Enjoy...

Fun Craft Tutorial - Clothespin Dolls

I found a bag of old wooden clothespins and was curious what people do with them (other than hang clothes of course).  I found this idea of painting them as little people to make dolls for my kids to play with.  Here's how:

Start with this style clothespin.  Paint whatever color pants and shoes.

Next, add a shirt and any details to the clothing you want and hair.  I have the shirt end just over the curve so that it looks like shoulders. 

Next comes the face.  *I recommend using a fine tip brush for the face and clothing details.  

Finally, you will seal them with any wood sealer.  Most dry quickly which is a good thing as your kids won't want to wait to play with these! 

I made boys and girls and experimented with different hair and skin colors, hair styles, and various clothing colors. I think my kids like the variety.

MORE IDEAS: 

• Use fabric ribbon as clothing or accessories (e.g. scarf, belt).
• Add more details: pockets, more realistic facial features...
• Make animals or aliens (my son's idea).
• Paint them to look like members of your family.
• Make for find a small bag, basket, or bucket to store them.
• They make a great travel toy!

Find sets of clothespins in my shop to make your own!

ShabbyNChic's shop